Micro-Bait Station Suzukii

Berry and tree fruit growers in the US urgently need an effective management strategy to deal with the rapidly spreading fruit fly pest, Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD). This fruit fly is currently listed as a top research priority by a multitude of stakeholders including but not limited to: the North American Strawberry Growers Association, the North American Raspberry and Blackberry Growers Association, Michigan blueberry and cherry growers, and berry growers in New York and New Jersey. Damage caused by SWD has forced growers to stop or interrupt harvests, downgrade fruit, and apply additional pesticide treatments to their respective crops. Such actions result in increased production costs to growers, which can lead to higher fruit and berry prices at the supermarket. This USDA SBIR phase I research project, Micro-Bait Station Suzukii, will develop a new strategy and management tool to address the needs of these growers. Using ISCA Technologies proven semiochemical delivery system, SPLAT & reg; (Specialized Pheromone and Lure Application Technology), this research project will develop bait-and-kill stations that lure SWD through the use of feeding attractants and eliminate the pest once it feeds on the bait, ingesting a small but lethal dose of insecticide in the process. These efforts will provide an appropriate tool to control SWD that will minimize insecticide use, limiting increases in production costs, while avoiding insecticide resistance and reducing non-target impacts. If successful, this project will provide growers with an alternative to the current management procedures which involves routine cover-sprays of broad spectrum insecticides. The end result of this project will directly benefit growers by enhancing on-farm environmental and economic sustainability. These benefits will also extend to the consumer market by minimizing the risks associated with pesticide residues on produce, and by helping to maintain the affordability of locally grown, healthful foods.