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New video on berry sampling for spotted drosophila to guide your IPM program

New video on berry sampling for spotted drosophila to guide your IPM program

Instructions with equipment list for sampling Spotted Drosophila.

For most berry growers, spotted thrush control is an important part of integrated pest management (IPM) programs. The initial response to this invasive species was to implement calendar spray programs to protect the berries. However, there is a growing awareness of the possibility of reducing spraying to times when we are certain that the fruit is at risk. This requires information about the degree of fruit infestation. A simple berry sampling method has been developed that can indicate when berries are free of spotted-winged drosophila or are beginning to become infested. This information can be used to make informed decisions to delay the start of spraying or extend spraying intervals. It could also be used to make product selection decisions.

To train people on how to prepare and process berry samples for spotted thrush detection, Michigan State University Extension has prepared a short video explaining the approach to use. The video is just over 8 minutes long and can be seen here: Filter method for sampling spotted-wing Drosophila larvae – MSU MediaSpace

The research supporting this MSU Extension video was funded by Project GREEEN, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture, and the Michigan Blueberry Commission.

For more information, see Sustainable Management of Spotted Wing Drosophila.

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