Spotted Wing Drosophila
Welcome to our web resources on spotted wing Drosophila (SWD). This is a central location for information on this invasive pest, including links to regional resources from Wisconsin and Minnesota.
Weekly reports
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Michigan spotted wing Drosophila update – July 30, 2019
Published on July 31, 2019
Spotted wing Drosophila numbers are higher than ever recorded at this time of year in Michigan; take action to protect susceptible fruit.
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Michigan spotted wing Drosophila update – July 24, 2019
Published on July 24, 2019
Spotted wing Drosophila are present and abundant; take action to protect susceptible fruit.
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Michigan spotted wing Drosophila update – July 16, 2019
Published on July 16, 2019
Spotted wing Drosophila populations are surging in southwest Michigan; protect susceptible crops.
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Michigan spotted wing Drosophila update – July 9, 2019
Published on July 9, 2019
With warmer weather, spotted wing Drosophila (SWD) populations are beginning to climb. Protect susceptible crops.
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Michigan spotted wing Drosophila update – June 26, 2019
Published on June 26, 2019
2019 Cool wet spring brought another slow start to spotted wing Drosophila, but now that warm weather is here, expect to begin protecting susceptible crops.
Key articles from MSU Extension
- New guide to organic management of spotted wing Drosophila released (published June 19, 2018)
- Al pensar en un plan de manejo de la drosófila de ala manchada, utilice un enfoque de manejo de enfermedades (published May 24, 2018)
- Watch the 2017 Spotted Wing Drosophila Summit presentations online (published Feb. 5, 2018)
Search for past reports and articles at MSU Extension’s Fruit & Nuts News.
Background
The Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD) is a vinegar fly of East Asian origin that can cause damage to many fruit crops. This small insect has been in Hawaii since the 1980s, was detected in California in 2008, spread through the West Coast in 2009, and was detected in Florida, Utah, the Carolinas, Wisconsin and Michigan for the first time in 2010. Because the flies are only a few millimeters long and cannot fly very far, natural dispersion between states is unlikely. Human-assisted transportation is a more likely cause of the recent rapid spread. It appears that this insect has become widely established through North America.
What crops are affected?
SWD has been detected in traps located near berry crops, grapes, cherries and other tree fruits. The flies have a preference for softer-fleshed fruit.
Status in Michigan
In fall 2010, SWD was detected in Michigan for the first time as part of a widespread Early Detection and Rapid Response program. SWD flies have now been detected in all of the counties where it has been monitored in the southern peninsula of Michigan, and we expect it to be present statewide. The activity period typically spans from early to mid-June through late fall.
What is being done?
A SWD Response Team has been formed that combines the expertise of MSU entomologists, horticulturalists, Extension educators, and Michigan Department of Agriculture staff. This website will be the central location for dissemination of information about this insect. Check back for updates. This team is also helping to coordinate research projects to understand how best to protect fruit from infestation by this new pest.
Managing SWD
We are confident the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs for SWD control can be implemented to enable continued harvest of high-quality crops. See our fact sheets for English and Spanish information on monitoring for this pest, and recommendations for managing SWD.
Important links
- MSU Fact sheet, available in English and Spanish.
- MSU's guide to identifying spotted wing Drosophila and separating them from other species caught in traps.
- Management guides for fruit crops.
- SWD Information from Oregon State University
- Past articles from MSU Extension's Fruit & Nut News
Funding for the SWD Response Team
The activities of the SWD Response Team are funded by Project GREEEN, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, US-EPA, USDA and Michigan grower organizations. A regional research and extension grant through the North Central IPM Center has also supported this website through a grant with the University of Wisconsin and University of Minnesota.