Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD)

THE INSECT AND THE PROBLEM

Spotted wing drosophila (Drosophila suzukii), or SWD, is one of the most devastating invasive species to invade the US. With a specialized serrated ovipositor, females can saw through the skin of fruit as it ripens and deposit eggs.

THE TRAP AND LURE

There are two monitoring traps for spotted wing drosophila, the PHEROCON^® SWD cup trap that utilizes a drowning solution inside, and the PHEROCON^® SWD STKY™, a double-sided adhesive trap; both incorporate a red visual cue and an attractive lure. The PHEROCON^® High Specificity Lure which is more selective for SWD and reduces non-target capture, and the PHEROCON^® PEEL-PAK™ Broad Spectrum lure has higher capture rates of SWD.

PHEROCON^® SWD Trap

The two styles of traps have been compared extensively in field studies, and results show that both traps are equally effective for capturing SWD throughout the growing season, leaving monitoring trap and lure combination up to the user and their preferences.

TRAP PLACEMENT TIMING

SWD traps and lures should be placed in the field in the early spring before fruit begins to color.

TRAP PLACEMENT

For orchards, traps should be hung in the border row from a tree branch approximately 3-5’ high, in a shaded part of the tree. For berries, traps should be hung from trellis wires or within the bushes, and for strawberries traps should be hung on metal stakes just above the top of the plants. Traps should always be placed adjacent to wooded areas or areas with alternate hosts to capture migrating SWD from areas where alternate host are present.

High Specifity Lure/Low Capture (3 component)

TRAP CAPTURE INTERPRETATION AND ACTION

Once SWD is captured, chemical control programs should be initiated if fruit is at a susceptible stage to infestation. Spray intervals should be at seven-days and chemical classes should always be rotated when used to manage for resistance.

Advanced Multi-Component Controlled Release PEEL-PAK™ Broad Spectrum Lure

OTHER IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS

In addition to monitoring, other strategies should be implemented from the IPM toolbox. Cultural control methods such as frequent harvesting, removing and properly destroying dropped and rotten fruit, using plastic mulches, and pruning of bushes and trees to make the canopy less hospitable should also be considered. Though SWD is a challenging pest, IPM methods, when properly implemented, have been able to protect fruit from infestation and achieve marketable yields.

Contact local extension authorities and consultants for regional advice. For additional information regarding PHEROCON^® SWD insect monitoring traps and lures, please see the IPM PARTNER Guidelines for Use.

PHEROCON SWD STKY