Spotted Wing Drosophila
Welcome to MSU’s Spotted Wing Drosophila site
This site contains information and links for growers and homeowners about a new invasive pest in Michigan, the Spotted Wing Drosophila.
2013 Update
For weekly updates on the status of this pest, stay informed through the MSU Extension News for Fruit pages focusing on fruit crop management.
Some key articles from MSU Extension New:
- Special Local Needs label approved for Malathion in blueberries to control spotted wing Drosophila (April 2, 2013)
- End of season spotted wing Drosophila management in raspberries (Oct. 29, 2012)
- Fall-harvesting berry growers need to monitor and manage SWD (Sept. 4, 2012)
- Post-harvest spraying for SWD pros, cons, and a list of issues (Aug. 22, 2012)
- Trapping, fruit sampling and fruit protection methods (July 2, 2012)
- SWD detections are increasing in fruit crops (June 19, 2012)
- Monitoring for SWD to detect early activity (May 29, 2012)
Background
The Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD) is a vinegar fly of East Asian origin that can cause damage to many fruit crops. This small insect has been in Hawaii since the 1980s, was detected in California in 2008, spread through the West Coast in 2009, and was detected in Florida, Utah, the Carolinas, Wisconsin and Michigan for the first time in 2010. Because the flies are only a few millimeters long and cannot fly very far, natural dispersion between states is unlikely. Human-assisted transportation is a more likely cause of the recent rapid spread. It appears that this insect has become widely established through North America.
What crops are affected?
SWD has been detected in traps located near berry crops, grapes, cherries and other tree fruits. The flies have a preference for softer-fleshed fruit.
Status in Michigan
In fall 2010, SWD was detected in Michigan for the first time as part of a widespread Early Detection and Rapid Response program. SWD flies have now been detected in 22 counties in the southern peninsula of Michigan. Activity period spans from June through to late fall.
What is being done?
A SWD Response Team has been formed that combines the expertise of MSU entomologists, horticulturalists, Extension educators, and Michigan Department of Agriculture staff. This website will be the central location for dissemination of information about this insect. Check back for updates. This team is also helping to coordinate research projects to understand how best to protect fruit from infestation by this new pest.
Managing SWD
We are confident that the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs available for SWD control can be implemented to enable continued harvest of high-quality crops. See our fact sheets for English and Spanish information on monitoring for this pest, and recommendations for management in blueberry (last updated June 2012).
Important links
1) MSU Fact sheet, available in English and Spanish.
2) MSU‘s guide to identifying spotted wing Drosophila and separating them from other species caught in traps.
3) Management guides for fruit crops.
4) SWD Information from Oregon State University
Funding for the SWD Response Team
The SWD Response Team is funded by Project GREEEN, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, and USDA.