A New Vinegar Fly Pest in BC - Help Prevent its Spread!
Added on June 3, 2010
The Spotted Wing Drosophila is a new vinegar fly pest in BC (first trapped in 2009) and is also in California, Oregon, Washington, and many other states below the border. It was found in an East Kelowna orchard in 2009 as well, although it is not believed to be widespread in our valley yet...and that is how farmers and others are hoping to keep it!
What is at risk? Thin-skinned fruits and berries are at risk, as the female 2-spotted fruit fly has a sharp ovipositor, and is able to deposit her eggs in healthy, otherwise uncompromised fruit that is still ripening (whereas other vinegar flies attack overripe and/or spoiling fruit). Several of its potential hosts are economically very important crops in this region, such as cherries, peaches, and wine grapes. It is also a threat to backyard fruit and berry growers.
You can help to preserve our local fruit industry!
While it may sound extreme, the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Lands recommendations are as follows:
BURY, BAG OR FREEZE ALL FRUIT (berries and thin-skinned fruits, with the exception of apples, which don't seem to hold a risk) THAT YOU ARE NOT GOING TO EAT!
Of particular note: composting fruit will NOT kill this pest! Bury the fruit at least 12 inches deep, OR bag in plastic, OR freeze at least 48 hours prior to disposal. It has also been suggested that fruit could be bagged in plastic and left in the hot sun for 2-3 days. Freezing the fruit for 2-3 days (or leaving it in a sealed plastic bag in the hot sun for several days to a week, should kill the larvae, after which time it can be safely composted.
For more information:
http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/cropprot/swd.htm
provincial entomologist: Susanna.Acheampong@gov.bc.ca