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Precision Bloom Services
| P: 503-678-6240 F: 503-678-6243 |
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April 1, 2010
Dear Customer:
Last fall, the Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD), an invasive fruit fly native to southeast Asia, became visible on the radar
of Agricultural Researchers and Local Fruit Growers from California to British Columbia, Canada. Damage from this little
pest was rapid and intense last season.
Since then, researchers from Oregon State University (OSU), U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research
Service (USDA-ARS) and the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) have joined colleagues from across the West
Coast in an effort to deliver as much information as possible on how to treat and possibly eliminate this pest.
Controlling this situation could prove to be tough at first. The potential losses are high, and growers, processors, field
staff, researchers and organizations like ours are concerned. Tests have confirmed that the SWD will feed on a wide
range of grapes, berries, cherries, peaches, pears and plums grown in and across the West Coast. Unlike other fruit fly
species, the SWD prefers ripe ready-to-harvest fruit, effecting the crop after it’s too late for treatment.
According to Amy Dreves, OSU Research and Extension Entomologist, "We are studying all aspects of its biology and
testing tools such as monitoring, trapping, sanitation, and efficient timing of effective chemicals". This is not a problem
that can be wiped out with a barrage of chemical sprays. Controls must be specific to the SWD and not include or harm
other pollinating insects or other beneficial organisms that are necessary for healthy orchards and fruit fields. In
addition, chemical resistance could be a problem when treating for an insect with up to10 generations a year, like the
SWD. As recently witnessed these flies thrive in cooler areas like the Willamette Valley, which would make most of
Western Oregon's growing season favorable. The area’s diversity of crops ripening at different times during the season
provide the SWD the habitat necessary to move from one crop to another as the season progresses. Populations
could potentially multiply in high numbers.
In recent weeks, researchers, local producers, field representatives, and individuals from our organization have seen
evidence of over-wintered adult SWD in monitoring traps around the Mid-Willamette Valley. We, as an Ag Services
Provider, have launched a Cooperative Management Plan. We are working with other organizations to develop this plan
and gather as much information from all parties involved. We are monitoring and reporting information, then developing
treatment plans based on our customers’ needs, interests, and preferences. We, at Precision Bloom Services,
encourage you to call on our organization for assistance in any of your service needs including SWD monitoring and
treatment.
Dear Customer:
Last fall, the Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD), an invasive fruit fly native to southeast Asia, became visible on the radar
of Agricultural Researchers and Local Fruit Growers from California to British Columbia, Canada. Damage from this little
pest was rapid and intense last season.
Since then, researchers from Oregon State University (OSU), U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research
Service (USDA-ARS) and the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) have joined colleagues from across the West
Coast in an effort to deliver as much information as possible on how to treat and possibly eliminate this pest.
Controlling this situation could prove to be tough at first. The potential losses are high, and growers, processors, field
staff, researchers and organizations like ours are concerned. Tests have confirmed that the SWD will feed on a wide
range of grapes, berries, cherries, peaches, pears and plums grown in and across the West Coast. Unlike other fruit fly
species, the SWD prefers ripe ready-to-harvest fruit, effecting the crop after it’s too late for treatment.
According to Amy Dreves, OSU Research and Extension Entomologist, "We are studying all aspects of its biology and
testing tools such as monitoring, trapping, sanitation, and efficient timing of effective chemicals". This is not a problem
that can be wiped out with a barrage of chemical sprays. Controls must be specific to the SWD and not include or harm
other pollinating insects or other beneficial organisms that are necessary for healthy orchards and fruit fields. In
addition, chemical resistance could be a problem when treating for an insect with up to10 generations a year, like the
SWD. As recently witnessed these flies thrive in cooler areas like the Willamette Valley, which would make most of
Western Oregon's growing season favorable. The area’s diversity of crops ripening at different times during the season
provide the SWD the habitat necessary to move from one crop to another as the season progresses. Populations
could potentially multiply in high numbers.
In recent weeks, researchers, local producers, field representatives, and individuals from our organization have seen
evidence of over-wintered adult SWD in monitoring traps around the Mid-Willamette Valley. We, as an Ag Services
Provider, have launched a Cooperative Management Plan. We are working with other organizations to develop this plan
and gather as much information from all parties involved. We are monitoring and reporting information, then developing
treatment plans based on our customers’ needs, interests, and preferences. We, at Precision Bloom Services,
encourage you to call on our organization for assistance in any of your service needs including SWD monitoring and
treatment.
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