“Lincoln University Cooperative Extension (LUCE) is issuing an urgent advisory: Missouri fruit crops are at risk due to a confirmed invasion of Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD). SWD infestation has already caused extreme injury to crops in many counties throughout the state during the last few days. The best way to protect crops now is to spray an effective insecticide right away.
For home gardeners, insecticide recommendations include Ferti-Lome Borer, Bagworm, Tent caterpillar and Leafminer spray (spinosad 0.5 percent), and Green Light (spinosad 0.5 percent).
For certified organic farmers, Entrust is the only OMRI-approved product that is both effective and provides good residual activity (5-7 days control). AZERA (Azadirachtin + pyrethrins), Aza-Direct (Azadirachtin) and Pyganic can also provide some control.
The above products are not a complete list of all available options. Not all products are labeled for all fruits. Read the pesticide label and follow its directions exactly including Pre-Harvest Interval. You may only use the pesticide on sites or crops listed on the label.
For more information on SWD visit http://www.lincolnu.edu/web/programs-and-projects/ipm or contact LUCE’s Integrated Pest Management at PineroJ@LincolnU.edu, 573-681-5522 or WilsonJ@LincolnU.edu, 573-681-5591.