Developing a southeastern spotted wing (Drosophila suzukii) monitoring network

Drosophila suzukii, the spotted wing drosophila (SWD), was first detected in California in late 2008 and rapidly spread up and down the west coast. This polyphagous drosophilid is unique in that feeds on sound, soft skinned fruit, rendering them unmarketable. Small fruit crops, especially strawberries, caneberries, blueberries, and grapes, are an important part of the agricultural economy of the southeast and could experience significant losses should SWD become established. We developed a volunteer based monitoring network in NC, SC, and VA encompassing 23 locations. Volunteers recruited included potential first responders to invasive species detection and are cooperative extension county agents, extension specialist, and state employees. Innovative technologies were used to train volunteers and to collect and manage data. If SWD is detected, volunteer trappers will participate in trials to optimize trapping methods.