Spotted wing drosophila (SWD) is a significant pest in Oregon, particularly affecting small and stone fruit crops like cherries, blueberries and raspberries.
The fruit fly was first detected in Oregon around 2009 and has since become established in many fruit-growing regions across the state. Unlike other fruit flies that target overripe or decaying fruit, SWD females lay eggs in ripe, healthy fruit. The larvae then feed inside the fruit, causing it to soften and rot, which can lead to significant economic losses for growers.
SWD continues to be a challenge for Oregon's fruit industry, but ongoing research and integrated pest management strategies are helping to mitigate its impact.
OSU is developing comprehensive management strategies to minimize SWD infestation.
Over the last 15 years, Oregon State University, through its Agricultural Experiment Station and Extension Service, has studied the fruit fly to develop better management practices that help reduce crop losses and the economic burden on growers. This is crucial for maintaining the profitability and sustainability of Oregon's fruit industry.
OSU is developing comprehensive management strategies to minimize SWD infestation. This includes optimizing monitoring systems, conducting field trials for chemical controls and exploring biological control methods.
The university is investigating cultural control strategies that modify the crop environment to reduce SWD reproduction and survival. Research is also focused on improving chemical control strategies, including the effectiveness of different pesticides and the potential for insecticide resistance.
Vaughn Walton, a professor of entomology in the College of Agricultural Sciences who was named one of the world's most highly cited researchers from 2019-2021 by Clarivate, has been involved in several notable SWD research projects over the last decade.
Walton emphasizes a holistic approach to pest management, combining biological, chemical and cultural controls. His research aims to develop integrated pest management strategies that are effective, sustainable and economically viable for growers. This approach minimizes the reliance on chemical pesticides, reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainable agriculture.
Walton's team explores the use of natural enemies, such as the parasitic wasp Ganaspis brasiliensis, to control SWD populations. This approach aims to reduce reliance on chemical pesticides and promote environmentally friendly pest management. By reducing the use of chemical pesticides, OSU's research contributes to safer food production and a healthier environment.
His team’s research includes evaluating the effectiveness of various insecticides and application methods. They’ve studied the use of micro-sprinkler systems to apply insecticides in highbush blueberries, finding that this method can suppress SWD egg-laying.
Walton's team also investigates cultural control methods, such as modifying the crop environment to make it less favorable for SWD reproduction and survival. This can include practices like canopy management and sanitation to reduce breeding sites.
Walton's work is crucial in helping growers manage SWD more effectively while minimizing the environmental impact of pest control practices and is part of a broader effort to support sustainable agriculture and ensure the continued production of high-quality fruits despite the challenges posed by SWD.
OSU Extension provides valuable resources and training for growers, helping them implement effective SWD management practices. This knowledge transfer is essential for the widespread adoption of sustainable pest control methods. Extension publications include:
- "Spotted wing drosophila: A quick, 7-step guide to detecting SWD larvae in fruit"
- "Host range and characteristics affecting fruit susceptibility to spotted-wing drosophila"
- "Cultural control strategies to manage spotted-wing drosophila"
- "Biocontrol of spotted-wing drosophila"
- "Improved chemical control strategies for spotted-wing drosophila"
- "Optimizing chemical control of spotted-wing drosophila"
Overall, OSU's research on SWD, with funding from sources including the Oregon Legislature and U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute for Food and Agriculture, plays a vital role in supporting Oregon's agricultural economy, promoting sustainable farming practices and ensuring the production of high-quality, safe fruits for the public.
