Dec. 20th @ noon: UMN Spotted wing drosophila webinar

Spotted wing drosophila (SWD) is an invasive fruit fly that targets soft-skinned fruits, including berry crops, by laying eggs in ripening fruit. This pest can cause significant crop damage, making it a critical concern for fruit growers.

Join Madeline Wimmer- UMN Extension educator for an insightful session on spotted wing drosophila (SWD), tailored to Minnesota organic and conventional fruit growers. In this webinar, we’ll discuss SWD biology and lifecycle, including information about the SWD winter morph and its potential to survive in cold climates. We’ll also explore the latest research and innovative approaches for management.

Image: Spotted wing drosophila (SWD) is an invasive insect pest that impacts fruit production, especially for soft-skinned fruit crops like raspberries. SWD males can be distinguished by their signature wing spots, while female adults advantageously have a serrated, saw-like ovipositor that enables them to lay eggs in ripening fruits. Note: This photo is not to scale.

What we’ll discuss:

• SWD biology and lifecycle in cold climates
• Integrated Pest Management strategies for SWD.
• Breakthrough innovations, including attract-and-kill techniques, biological controls, and sterile release methods.
• Best practices related to canopy and floor management

Webinar details:

Date: December 20th, 2024
Time: 12:00 CT
Cost: Free
Registration link: https://z.umn.edu/SWD_Fruit_Webinar

We hope to see you there!

For questions about this webinar, please reach out to Madeline Wimmer at wimm0035@umn.edu.