Spotted Wing Drosophila Efficacy Trials

Project goal:  To develop sustainable and effective SWD management programs for Michigan’s tart cherry growers.

Project description:  Since SWD was first found in Michigan in 2010, populations have dramatically increased in many fruit crops across the state, including cherries.  Controlling this pest is critical to cherry growers, as the Michigan cherry industry has a zero tolerance policy for larvae in fruit.  Since 2016 we have conducted SWD yearly efficacy trials. 

In the beginning, we conducted lab assays testing field applied insecticides (Danitol, Imidan, Exeril, Pounce, Mustang Max, and Warrior) to determine their residual activity at different intervals.  Fruit was collected from the treatments in the field at 1D, 3D, 7D, 10D, 14D, and 21D, and placed into a bio-assay container with lab reared adult SWD for nine days.  Adult mortality was monitored as well as number of larvae that developed in the fruit. 

Along with lab trials we have conducted field efficacy trials to determine the most efficacious and economical programs for controlling SWD.  All insecticide treatments are applied using an airblast sprayer in a randomized block design.  Fruit infestation was measured 7D and 14D post-treatment by hand picking 3 gallons of fruit per replication and testing for larvae using the brown sugar extraction method.

Results: SWD Efficacy Trials 2016 – 2020

Project lead/collaborators: Nikki Rothwell, Emily Pochubay, Larry Gut, John Wise

Funding sources:  Michigan Cherry Committee

Start year: 2015

End year: on-going

Michigan State University
  • Spartans Will.
  • © Michigan State University

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential.

Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Quentin Tyler, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.

The 4-H Name and Emblem have special protections from Congress, protected by code 18 USC 707.

We comply with the Federal Trade Commission 1998 Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).