Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD) on Raspberries and Blackberries

A recent question from a raspberry grower in North Jersey asked about treatments for SWD on raspberries. The following table is from Cornell University – Greg Loeb, Laura McDermott, Peter Jentsch, Tess Grasswitz and Juliet Carroll, and published in the New York State Berry Growers Association newsletter:

Refer to label for details and additional restrictions.

#Adding sugar (sucrose) at 2 lb/100 gal water as a feeding stimulant will increase efficacy.

^Approved for organic use in NY.

@After two consecutive applications must rotate to different mode of action.

1 Active Ingredient.

2 Mode of Action, based on IRAC group code (UN = unknown).

3 Re-entry Interval (hr = hours).

4 Days to Harvest or Pre Harvest Interval (d = days).

Based on the above table:

When putting the materials together into one program, use the following principles in designing a treatment program:

1. Rotate IRAC groups or modes of action.
2. Be aware of restrictions such as the total applications allowed, maximum amount of product allowed per season, and pre harvest interval (PHI).
3. Try to close off part(s) of the planting if the planting is for U-Pick, in order to allow for the required PHI or the days to harvest interval (DTH).
4. Keep to a tight schedule every 5-7 days, depending on the amount of precipitation between applications.
5. Harvest the fruit often so you don’t allow for the occurrence of overripe fruit and drops.
6. Maintain good weed control and pruning. This minimizes the amount of shade and ‘hiding places’ for SWD adults, and allows for good spray penetration and coverage.

Example of One of Many Potential Insecticide Programs