The SWD*VMN is a group of extension specialists, county extension agents, fruit growers, state department of agriculture personnel, and other stakeholders engaged to track the spread and seasonal biology of spotted wing drosophila (SWD, Drosophila suzukii), a recent detected pest of soft skinned fruit in North America. Our goal is to understand where SWD is found in the eastern United States and when SWD is active during the year. These two pieces of information will help us to determine how best to protect crops at risk of SWD damage.
What crops does SWD damage?
SWD has been recorded feeding on apples, pears, grapes, nectarines, persimmons, figs, cherries, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, peaches, plums, and their wild relatives. SWD larvae have also been found feeding on pokeweed and dogwood berries. SWD has caused significant economic damage in cherries, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries.
Where can I learn more about SWD biology and management?
