Insect Pest - Invasive

Growers and an alert county agent, Ben Beale, have found what most likely will be an infestation of spotted wing drosophila (SWD) in cherries in southern Maryland (St. Mary’s County). I say "most likely" because I have the cherries and the maggots but it is very difficult to identify SWD from other fruit or vinegar fly maggots.

Fruit and Vegetable News, Volume 12, Issue 4 (July 15, 2021)

Spotted-wing drosophila (SWD, Drosophila suzukii) is a small fly that lays its eggs into ripening and ripe soft-skinned fruit, causing direct damage and wounds that other pests and pathogens can use. Although they prefer fully colored ripe fruit, they are capable of infesting fruit that is just starting to turn color and will do so when populations are high.

Dr. Kelly Hamby reported the presence of Spotted-wing drosophila (SWD) in Central and Western Maryland. Effective strategies to manage SWD include setting up traps, conducting visual inspections, maintaining a 7-day spray interval, using various insecticide modes of action, and considering temperatures during and after spray application. For organic production, Entrust® is recommended. Other measures to reduce SWD populations and protect fruit quality include removing cull fruit, shortening harvest intervals, using mesh netting, and cooling fruit.

Timely Viticulture is an electronic newsletter designed to remind grape producers of seasonal vineyard needs and considerations throughout the year.

Read about the "Woodland Wildlife Spotlight" and "Invasives in Your Woodland," a recap of October's Maryland Woodland Stewards workshop, and the Brain Tickler challenge.

Read the "Woodland Wildlife Spotlight" and "Invasives in Your Woodland," a new invasive insect you should know called Spotted Lanternfly, and the Brain Tickler challenge.

Fruit and Vegetable News, Volume 12, Issue 7 (November 1, 2021)

There's news about our new website, as part of the University of Maryland Extension's rebranding efforts. There's also information about the Spotted Lanternfly and about the rebounding forestry industry in Maryland. Our regular features include profiles of the striped skunk in the "Woodland Wildlife Spotlight" and lesser celandine in "Invasives in Your Woodland," as well as our events calendar and the Brain Tickler challenge. Plus, tidbits you may have missed, in the News and Notes section.

The Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) is now confirmed in Cecil and Harford Counties in Maryland, and has the potential to be a very significant pest in vineyards. For background information, please see the TimelyVit Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) I—Background, for basic information. This Timely Viticulture was created to give growers information of how to scout for the pest and some management options and strategies.