Learn how to monitor and manage this pest in spring 2012

MSU Extension will provide three in-depth workshops on spotted wing Drosophila biology and management this spring, designed for crop scouts, consultants, and fruit growers. SWD is a pest of berries and other soft fruits, and will require active management by growers to minimize its economic impact.

This workshop will include the latest research information as well as hands-on training in monitoring, identification, and fruit sampling. The workshop has been developed for fruit growers, scouts, and crop consultants to help them integrate SWD management into their IPM programs. It will be led by members of the MSU Department of Entomology who have been studying this insect since its arrival in Michigan.

Classroom workshops (pick one – each is the same)

• April 24 at 1-4:00 P.M.
• May 15 at 1-4:00 P.M.
• June 12 at 9:00-12 noon

Hands-on training for all the above classroom workshop participants is the afternoon of June 12, 1-3:00 P.M.

There is a registration fee of $30 for the workshop, which covers the workshop plus attendance at the hands-on training on June 12. Space is limited to 25 attendees per workshop, so please sign up in advance. Contact or email Judy Hanson at (616) 994-4548 or hanson26@msu.edu to register for one of the workshops. The workshops and hands-on field training  will be held at the Trevor Nichols Research Center, 6237 124th Avenue, Fennville, MI 49408 (see map).

These workshops are made possible by funding from Project GREEEN and the US-EPA.