July 29, 2013 – The number of sites where spotted wing drosophila (SWD) has been found continues to increase this week. SWD has now been detected in 10 different counties across Ontario.
SWD has been trapped primarily in wild hosts outside of commercial crops, but some adults have also been found in raspberry and sweet cherry crops. All growers should assume that SWD is present now in their region.
Fruit that is ripening or being harvested is susceptible to SWD damage. Berry growers should protect ripe and ripening fruit on a weekly basis at this time. For insecticide choices see Emergency Use Registrations at www.Ontario.ca/spottedwing.
The number of SWD per trap is also beginning to increase, with some locations trapping more than 10 adults. This is an indication that SWD may have completed a generation and populations are increasing quickly.
Post-harvest sprays are recommended if there are later varieties or susceptible crops adjacent to the harvested field.
Send me your questions on SWD. I will answer in next week’s message and update our FAQ at www.Ontario.ca/spottedwing.
Print this page
