Great article from MSU on dealing with Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD)

There is a whole series of updated info (Published December 2019) from Oregon State University

About this series

This publication is one of a series of nine publications focused on strategies for controlling spotted-wing drosophila in Oregon. Find them at https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/. The publications in this series include:


Some highlights:

  • When temperatures rise above 50°F (10°C) for more than five consecutive days, [SWD] populations can increase.
  • During hot summer periods, most activity, including egg laying, occurs during dusk and dawn.
  • SWD egg laying is more elevated in shady, humid portions of the crop canopy.
  • Temperatures on weed fabric are less optimal for the survival of pupating SWD larvae.
  • Key fruit characteristics indicating susceptibility to SWD are firmness and °Brix (sugar). Increasing sugar and decreasing firmness are correlated with increased susceptibility to SWD damage.
  • Most spotted-wing drosophila (SWD) are found in the center of the fruit crop canopy, where they find shade, cooler temperatures and higher humidity.
  • Early in the growing season, insecticides can be applied less often, with up to 14 days between applications.
  • Spray intervals should be shortened for late-ripening crops, when environmental conditions speed the SWD life cycle.
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