Jul 13, 2015
SWD larval infestations reported in central Maryland

The fact that spotted wing drosophila is being found in Maryland means that SWD is also likely to be present in warmer areas of Pennsylvania, and in the remainder of Pennsylvania shortly.

Growers should be monitoring fruit for spotted wing drosophila presence as explained in the article Spotted Wing Drosophila Fruit Monitoring and be prepared to treat fields.

The July 10, 2015 Special Alert from theVegetable & Fruit Headline News of the University of Maryland Extension entitled;Spotted Wing Drosophila Larval Infestations in Central Maryland states:

“Spotted wing drosophila (SWD), Drosophila suzukii, populations are starting to rise in Maryland. Fruit samples from central Maryland taken in the last few weeks were beginning to have larger larvae in them. Most commercial fruit becomes susceptible at first color, and it is important to regularly monitor fruit early in the season to time applications and evaluate the efficacy of your spray program. Sampling 30-40 fruit per block from random locations including border rows and either directly inspecting fruit for larvae by breaking open the fruit or extracting larvae from fruit with salt or sugar water solutions can help you determine if SWD are a problem in your field. Insecticide spray programs should rotate modes of action (IRAC activity groups). Most insecticides used to target SWD are only effective against adults and lose activity in about 7-10 days.”

Further details on pesticides and their effectiveness, SWD hosts, cultural management and bio-controls can be found in the full length article, which includes spraying tables.

— Penn State University


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