Spotted Wing Drosophila, 2021

Abstract

Species of vinegar fly, new to this area. Native to Southeast Asia. Detected in California in late 2008; spread rapidly up the coast. By summer of 2009 it was found as far north as British Columbia. As an OSU press release of 3/12/10 stated, " Damage from the fly was rapid and intense. " Last year California lost about one-third of the cherry crop. Growers in Oregon's Willamette Valley lost up to 20 percent of their blueberries and raspberries and up to 80 percent of their late-season peaches. SWD is related to the common vinegar fly that swarms around fruit left on your counter. One crucial difference – the common vinegar fly lays eggs only on fruit that is overripe or starting to rot. Suzukii attacks fruit ripening in the field, which makes it a major threat to commercial fruit production and to home-grown fruit. The female has a saw-like ovipositor and deposits eggs under the skin of the fruit.  Prefers ripe fruit, but will oviposit in " ripening " fruit. In cherries, for example, when they start to change color the fruit is vulnerable. Researchers don't yet know exactly the point at which other fruits become susceptible.