IPM of SWD in High Tunnels with Raspberries

The Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD) has very quickly become a devastating pest of berry crops in Missouri. Adults were first detected in monitoring traps in late June, 2013. By early August, infestations to blackberry fruits had already been reported. By mid August, SWD was reported infesting crops state-wide. In addition to small fruit crops, this invasive insect pest also attacks some stone fruits (cherry, nectarine, peach), high tunnel tomatoes, and wild hosts (including pokeweed, autumn olive, crabapple, nightshade, Amur honeysuckle, and wild grape). Raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, elderberries and grapes are at the greatest risk.

 

This article discusses IPM options to minimize larval infestations by SWD to high tunnel raspberries in the fall. Options include monitoring, sanitation, exclusion, and timely application of insecticide sprays.  It is  very important that farmers also learn how to identify and monitor for SWD and how to detect larval infestations.  An identification and monitoring guide is available here. Successful SWD control in 2014 will require planning and implementation of an IPM program.

To read this full guide sheet click here.