Pest in the Spotlight


10 January 2019

General

Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD)

What is it: Small fly, similar size to the vinegar fly.  Yellow brown colour with dark bands on the abdomen and red eyes.

Where is it: South-East Asia, Europe and North America. 

What does it do: Larvae feed on soft fruits, including grapes, cherries, berries, nectarines and plums. Larvae feed on maturing fruit as well as decaying fruit. 

How does it spread: Adults can spread through crops. Can spread over longer distances through movement of infected fruit and plant material.

If you suspect SWD, call the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline: 1800 084 881

Click Here more information: http://www.planthealthaustralia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Spotted-winged-drosophila-FS-Viticulture.pdf

Photo credit: Hannah Burrack, North Carolina State University, Bugwood.org