Joanne Whalen, Extension IPM Specialist;jwhalen@udel.edu
At this time last year, we found our first adult flies in our traps in Kent and Sussex counties, so we expect to find them any day. Although there are no thresholds available based on trap catches, small fruit growers will need to maintain a tight spray schedules for this very damaging insect pest. For more information on management of SWD in fruit, you will want to consider subscribing to Rutgers Plant Pest Advisory http://plant-pest-advisory.rutgers.edu/category/fruit/. You can also check the following link from Michigan State for additional information. (http://www.ipm.msu.edu/invasive_species/spotted_wing_drosophila).
Reminder – you will need to check all pesticide labels for rates, restrictions as well as determine if they are labeled in your state.