Entomologists at Cornell are putting together a project for the 2014 field season to test if we can reduce infestations from Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD) through what we call attract and kill stations. We know of several very attractive baits. The question is whether a reasonable number of traps with attractive baits and some sort of kill device (drowning solution or insecticide) can significantly reduce local populations of SWD and therefore reduce or eliminate the need to treat vulnerable crops with insecticides.
We are looking for field sites to test this approach. In particular, we are focusing on blueberry plantings, but would consider fall raspberry plantings as well, that are at least 0.5 acres in size where we can put out attract and kill stations and compare SWD infestations with other plots where no kill stations are deployed. We could use a larger plot and place a treatment at each end of the planting. It would be helpful if no insecticides are used in the planting during the trial and therefore, in some ways, a recently abandoned planting might be best or a situation where the potential of some infestation would not cause economic hardship. Also, we need plantings within an hour or so from Geneva, NY to expedite frequent data collection.
If you are interested in helping or learning more about the project please contact Dr. Greg Loeb at gme1@cornell.edu or 315-787-2345.