Timing is everything: Optimizing control strategies for Spotted Wing Drosophila, Drosophila suzukii.

Among recent invasive species, Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD), Drosophila suzukii, has emerged as a devastating pest of soft fruits including blackberry, raspberry, blueberry, cherry, peach, grape, and strawberry. In Minnesota, SWD presents with a sudden appearance of adult flies followed by rapid population growth in late July and early August. Presently, once adult flies are detected berry growers are utilizing prophylactic applications of insecticides to suppress these pest populations. This will undoubtedly lead to unintended environmental and ecological consequences and result in insecticide resistance issues. Successful IPM is dependent upon understanding where and when pests occur before taking action. Working in a replicated small plot trial, we evaluated the impact of spray timing on populations of SWD and combined it with laboratory assays to evaluate the sublethal effects of these insecticides. Recurring questions from fruit growers include how, where, and when cultural or chemical control methods should be applied. A better understanding of the lethal and sublethal effects of current insecticide based management practices of this species is critical in optimizing management for these pests.