Drosophila suzukii (known in English as Spotted Wing Drosophila or SWD) is an invasive species first detected in Michigan in 2010. It is now a key pest for ripening cherries and berries.
A new factsheet outlines the current best practices for monitoring the pest and preventing fruit infestation in cherry orchards.
• Protect ripening fruit until harvest using effective insecticides, with short treatment intervals and thorough coverage.
• Adjust pest management programs under high-risk conditions, such as rainy periods and high exposure to UV rays, to ensure effectiveness.
• Check fruit directly for larvae as harvest approaches.
• If possible, avoid delays in harvest: overripe fruit left in the orchard is highly susceptible to infestations.
Read the full guide here:
Source: Michigan State University Extension
Image source: Tim Haye, Le Matin
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