Spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) (Diptera: Drosophilidae), is an invasive pest that was introduced into Florida in 2009. Spotted wing drosophila survives well under Florida’s climatic conditions. In 2014, losses to berry crops in Florida were estimated at $35 million. Losses are due to maggot-infested fruit, which is unacceptable for the fresh berry market, and puncture holes in the fruit made by egg-laying females. The holes lead to secondary infection by fungal and bacterial pathogens. This 4-page fact sheet written by Lindsy E. Iglesias, James F. Price, Craig R. Roubos, Justin M. Renkema, and Oscar E. Liburd and published by the Department of Entomology and Nematology describes the flies and some strategies to identify them and manage them in berry operations.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in839
Tag: Strawberry Pest Insects
Thrips in Florida Strawberry Crops
Strawberries grown in Florida are attacked by several pests, including flower thrips. Western flower thrips and common blossom thrips (both invasive) can cause damage to strawberries in Florida; but, while the native Florida flower thrips is commonly found in strawberry blossoms, it hasn’t been established that it can cause economic damage to strawberry. This 9-page fact sheet describes thrips damage, characteristics to distinguish among the three species, and methods of control. Written by Jeff D. Cluever, Hugh A. Smith, Joe E. Funderburk, and Galen Frantz, and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, January 2015. (Photo: H. A. Smith)
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in1078
ENY857/IN839 Spotted Wing Drosophila New in Florida Berry Culture
ENY857, a 3-page illustrated fact sheet by James F. Price and Curtis A. Nagle, describes this pest of strawberry, blueberry, raspberry and other thin-skinned fruit that was discovered in Hillsborough County in August 2009, and which strawberry growers should be prepared to encounter in winter 2010. It describes possible tactics for management. Includes references and a table of insecticides available for management of Drosophila spp. flies on strawberries in Florida. Published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, October 2009.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/IN839
EENY375/IN678 Fuller Rose Beetle, Naupactus godmanni (Crotch) (Insecta:Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Revised! EENY-375, a 5-page illustrated fact sheet by Jamba Gyeltshen and Amanda Hodges, is part of the Featured Creatures collection. It describes this cosmopolitan beetle whose extensive list of hosts include citrus, cucurbits, strawberry, beans, peach, rhubarb, rose, and potato — synonymy, distribution, description, biology, host plants, damage, and management. Includes references. Published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, June 2009.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/IN678