Spotted-wing drosophila (SWD, Drosophila suzukii) is an invasive pest of soft skinned fruit in the United States and has been detected throughout the southeast. Infestations were observed in some blueberries. SWD damage is similar to blueberry maggot. Female flies lay their eggs in ripening and ripe fruit, and larvae develop internally. SWD larvae are much smaller than blueberry maggot larvae, and unlike blueberry maggot, SWD can have multiple, overlapping generations during blueberry harvest. Therefore, risk of SWD may be higher than blueberry maggot. Adult male SWD can be distinguished from native, non pest Drosophila spp. by a single spot on the end of both wings. Females can be distinguished by their relatively large and heavily serrated ovipositor. Traps may indicate SWD presence on your farm, but do not predict fruit infestation. If SWD has been found on or near your farm, preventative insecticide applications are recommended beginning when fruit begins to color through the end of harvest. Insecticides should be applied at least weekly and reapplied after rain events. Rotate insecticides from IRAC Groups (color-coded below) with each application to minimize resistance risks. Work with your marketer to be sure you fully comply with export regulations for recipient countries of choice. [THE LABEL IS THE LAW – Always read the label and follow label directions] (Efficacy Ratings: E = Excellent, G = Good, F = Fair)
Dr. Ash Sial is Associate Professor in Department of Entomology at the University of Georgia. He has had extensive training in agricultural entomology from various institutions. He earned his Ph.D. in Entomology from Washington State University where he worked with apple growers to develop sustainable IPM programs for major pests of tree fruits. After graduation, he accepted a Post-Doctoral Research Scientist position at University of California, Berkeley and worked with winegrape growers to develop sustainable IPM programs aimed at managing exotic and emerging arthropod pests such as vine mealybug, and the diseases transmitted by mealybugs such as grapevine leafroll disease. He then joined Cornell University to investigate various aspects of biology and ecology of an invasive insect pest – spotted wing drosophila, which has recently emerged as a major threat to fruit production in the United States. Currently, he serves as the blueberry entomologist and IPM Coordinator for Georgia. At the University of Georgia, the goals of his research program are to investigate biology and ecology of major arthropod pests of blueberries in order to develop sustainable IPM programs, and disseminate that information to all stakeholders including commercial blueberry producers in a timely and convenient manner. He has published numerous peer-reviewed papers, delivered research and Extension presentations including invited guest lectures and a keynote address. He has also served professional societies including Entomological Society of America (ESA) in a leadership role at the regional and national levels. He has been recognized for excellence in research productivity and professional leadership at the regional and national level with several prestigious awards including the John Henry Comstock Award.
