As farmers of the Southeast United States struggle with harmful insects

The growth of the invasion of Drosophila dappled (Spotted wing drosophila - SWD) at several berry farms was observed in the spring of this year, according to an entomologist at the University of North Carolina (NCSU).

The invasion took place on both raw plots of the research station and, to a lesser extent, processed on commercial farms, writes Dr. Hannah Burrack (Hannah Burrack) in entomological blog NCSU.

Burrack, which is part of the editorial Advisory Board of the American Fruit Grower® and Western Fruit Grower®, reminds producers that they must play an active role in preventing the invasion of SWD.

"I would strongly encourage you to share this information with all producers of berries in your area," she writes in the blog .

Barrak says that the recent mild winter in the Southeast raises concerns about the possibility of early season damage to the berries SWD, which then only increased last month when the producers strawberries in South Carolina watched the invasion.

"Currently, we are witnessing the invasion of strawberry, blueberry and BlackBerry, according to our research farms in North Carolina," she writes. The percentage of infestation is low (less than 1% in most cases), but these observations only highlight the importance of active prevention of attacks SWD."

Despite all the efforts of farmers, the invasion of SWD can still take place. Berries affected by SWD, are not suitable for fresh market, and this means that such fruits are illiquid. Below is a brief summary of Burrak what to do in case of invasion SWD:

Regularly take samples of the berries to detect defeat if it happens. To take samples from each harvest and either cut them and look for larvae or test with salt - soak them in brine (1/4 Cup salt per gallon).
Upon discovery of infestation, to remove as much ripe and ripening berries and destroy them (by freezing, "roasting" in the sun in a transparent plastic bag for several days or removal from the site). Eggs or larvae may be present in being with a mind unaffected berries. The abandonment of these berries means that there are potentially contaminated fruit.
Practice excellent sanitation. Carefully collect all the ripe fruit and to sell or destroy them (if illiquid). Don't throw marriage into the field and clean the plantation after the rain collectors and u-pick. Untouched the fruit is a reservoir for SWD larvae.
Store the berries after harvest in cold storage. Most eggs and larvae do not develop at temperatures below 40 F, and some of them may die. If the berries keep it cold, some held eggs can't hatch, and some of them may die.
Start or continue a vigorous spraying program (once a week if no rain and again in case of rain). The alternation of at least two funds will reduce the likelihood of development of resistance.