Jun 24, 2017
Michigan blueberry growers warned of early SWD detection

 

Spotted wing drosophila has made an early appearance in southwest Michigan blueberry fields.

Carlos Garcia, Michigan State University Extension educator, issued the following notification for growers on June 24:

“Today, while checking recently placed SWD traps around Grand Junction, Michigan we found the first flies in a field that is being hand-harvested. The lot is a mix of Duke and other early season varieties.  Nine SWD specimens were found, six females and three males.

So, it is a reminder that the SWD arrived early to our fields and traps need to be checked twice a week instead of once a week.  A shorter monitoring interval will give you time to respond to SWD early infestations. 

If you are in the process of hand harvesting for the fresh market, keep checking the traps as often as possible.  In case of finding the flies in your field, and if you are in harvest, do not hesitate to spray.  Use an insecticide with one-day PHI and continue harvesting after that.  Do not leave fruit in the bush without protection.  

At this time the weather forecast for the next five day in the Grand Junction area indicates temperatures in the upper 70s and a chance of rain of 18 percent to 43 percent. So, Malathion, Mustang Maxx or Lannate (three-day PHI, only if you are machine harvesting) are your best options.

 Please let us know if you need assistance with your insecticide application.”

Source: Michigan State University

 




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