Participatory detection and early mapping of Spotted wing drosophila distribution in South Dakota

The spotted wing drosophila was first reported in California in 2008. The invasive vinegar fly exhibited a wide range of hosts, including blackberries, blueberries,cherries, peaches, raspberries, strawberries and grapes. Unlike other vinegar flies, spotted wing drosophila is considered economic pest due to its ability to infest undamaged fruits.

In the north central region of the US, spotted wing drosophila was first reported in Michigan in 2008. In 2012 the invasive fly was reported in Minnesota and Iowa. At 2012 specialty crop grower conference in South Dakota, the author discussed the possibility of spotted wing drosophila introduction to the state and secured the collaboration of two South Dakotan grape growers for traps to be regularly placed in their vineyards to serve as sentinel traps for the fruit fly. Weekly replaced traps were first set in these vineyards on the first week of August 2013. The first trapped sample confirmed to be spotted wing drosophila was collected in August 28 of 2013 from a vineyard in Yankton county. Subsequent mapping effort for spotted wing drosophila distribution in the state was conducted with the cooperation of specialty crop growers in the state. Twelve commercial growers across the state participated in the fly trapping. Trap kits with vinegar baits were mailed out in September of 2012 and the traps were set for a week before the samples were mailed back for identification. Spotted wing drosophila were confirmed in samples received from all participants covering eight counties spread across South Dakota.