Exclusion netting for spotted wing drosophila control in Michigan raspberries

Since the introduction of the invasive spotted wing Drosophila, Drosophila suzukii (Matsumara) (Diptera: Drosophilidae), many berry growers have had to abandon their integrated pest management programs to prevent infestation by this pest. Growers are now relying on broad-spectrum insecticides to protect their crops which has created an urgent need to develop practices to decrease insecticide dependence. Here, we explore the efficacy and practicality of managing this pest with exclusion netting. In field and high tunnel grown raspberries located in Southwestern Michigan, we deployed fine mesh insect netting to determine if this approach allows for fewer pesticide applications and control of spotted wing Drosophila (SWD). We monitored SWD fly activity, fruit infestation, other pest incidence, temperature, and fruit quality.  Over two growing seasons, we found that insect netting has the potential to significantly reduce fly abundance and larval infestation, without compromising fruit quality and yield. The economics of this approach was also determined, allowing for a cost-benefit analysis of the initial investment and potential long-term benefits of adopting this method. We conclude that netting shows promise for growers of susceptible fruit crops to maintain marketability in a sustainable and cost-effective way.