Spotted wing drosophila (SWD), a highly damaging pest that arrived in Michigan in 2010, has posed significant challenges for the state's berry and cherry industries. Unlike other pests, SWD has overlapping generations throughout the year, leading to continuous attacks on vulnerable crops and wild plants.
Michigan State University researchers, supported by organizations like MSU AgBioResearch and Project GREEEN, have been at the forefront of studying and addressing this pest.
The research team, in collaboration with growers, has explored various approaches, including testing registered pesticides, implementing non-chemical controls like pruning and mulching, and employing physical exclusion methods such as netting. Valuable online resources have been developed to aid growers in SWD identification and pesticide timing.
In addition to immediate grower needs, long-term management tactics have also been investigated. Researchers have focused on enhancing native parasitoid wasps' ability to target SWD larvae and have introduced the samba wasp, a natural predator from Asia, to control infestations. Evaluations of the samba wasp's success and its winter survival are ongoing.
The cherry industry, especially in Michigan's northwest Lower Peninsula, has faced severe challenges due to SWD. Researchers have identified strategies such as pruning cherry trees and maintaining trimmed grass to reduce infestations. They are also developing a model to determine the ideal timing for pest management techniques.
Michigan State University plays a crucial role in supporting and leading research efforts to combat SWD, which threatens an industry contributing significantly to the state's economy. By combining expertise, resources, and innovative solutions, researchers aim to protect Michigan's berry and cherry crops from the devastating impact of spotted wing drosophila.
Photo Credit: pixabay-couleur
Categories: Michigan, Crops, Fruits and Vegetables