Small Fruits IPM

Spotted Wing Drosophila Spring 2011 Update
This 4-page, full-color flyer discusses the background of the SWD problem in Washington and provides information on monitoring, identifying, and controlling the pest. Available in English and Spanish.

Spotted Wing Drosophila in Grapes
Spotted wing drosophila (SWD) is now present throughout Washington State and has demonstrated the ability to lay eggs in both wine and juice grapes. Growers of wine grapes and juice grapes should familiarize themselves with this pest by reading the publications released Summer 2010 about monitoring, identifying, and controlling SWD. An August 2010 publication described initial research on the pest's oviposition behavior on grapes in the laboratory.

Spotted Wing Drosophila: General
Small-fruit growers in Washington and Oregon are paying special attention to spotted wing drosophila (SWD), a new and potentially devastating pest that is moving north from California. There is a simple, 3-step process for identifying SWD. The latest information can be found on the WSU Extension SWD website, the WSU Mount Vernon SWD Updates page, and the OSU website devoted to this emerging pest. A bulletin explaining monitoring, identification, and control of SWD was released in July 2010 when the pest was confirmed in several Eastern Washington locations. See also the November 2009 WSU Press Release announcing collaborative efforts across the state and the May 2010 Tri-City Herald newspaper article about WSU and SWD. For further information about SWD in western Washington, contact Lynell Tanigoshi; in eastern Washington, contact Doug Walsh.

Grape Virus and Vector Research
Be sure to visit the WSU Viticulture Extension Grape Virology Website for background and emerging information on virus diseases, including indentification and management. For the latest information on Grapevine Leafroll Disease, download the free PDF of the Extension Bulletin addressing this topic.

Grape Research at WSU Prosser
Barrier sprays of newer synthetic pyrethroids directed at the base of grape vines were successfulin preventing cutworms from climbing up and damaging buds. The cutworm responsible for bud damage is the spotted cutworm, Amathes c-nigrum.

In insecticide efficacy trials for grape mealybug control, several new compounds showed effective control with delayed-dormant or in-season application. In addition, chemigation treatment with Admire and Platinum was effective in suppressing mealybugs.

• 2002 Report: Innovative Management of Cutworms in Washington Vineyards (pdf)
• 2002 Report: Grape mealybug Efficacy Trials in Vineyards (pdf)

Raspberry, Strawberry, Blueberry Research in western Washington
The Small Fruit Pest Management Program at WSU's Mount Vernon research station is the home of the university's small fruit pest management program. Their research and extension is focused on new and cost effective integrated strategies in support of the state's $100 million small fruit industry.

Cranberry Research in western Washington
Much of the cranberry research and extension activities is being carried out by the WSU Long Beach Research Station. Programs at WSU Long Beach are varied and multi-disciplinary. These include research in cranberry weed control and physiology, cranberry best management practices, integrated pest management, and cranberry pollination. Contact Kim Patten for more information.