Via Cathy Heidenreich, Berry Extension Support Specialist:
Suffolk County SWD Alert! July 24, 2012. Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD) numbers in traps are up in Suffolk County. Four apple cider vinegar traps in raspberry caught over thirty SWD in the past seven days (last checked on 7/24/12). A couple of SWD were also found in traps set on peach, blueberry, and grape. The numbers in raspberries at this time of the season are higher than the numbers we found in late September last year (2011). Last two week’s high trap catches potentially placing raspberries and blackberries at risk for possible infestations. Most of the blueberries in Eastern Long Island will likely be harvested by this week, so there will be less chance of contamination in blueberries. Fruit damage assessment is in progress.
Albany County SWD Alert! July 24, 2012. 2 male SWD caught at an Albany County farm – traps located in black raspberries and blueberries.
Ulster County SWD Alert! July 23, 2012. 1 male SWD was caught at a farm in Ulster County this week in a vinegar trap in a blackberry planting.