Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/155925
INFESTATION POCKETS SWD has been established on the West Coast for years, but doesn't even make the "Most Unwanted" list in most California wine appellations. In drier, warmer climates, this type of fruit fly is rarely more than an occasional problem to growers. But in moister regions, the SWD flourishes. Northern Virginia confronted pockets of infestations in 2012. Virginia Tech entomologist Dr. Doug Pfeiffer, a first-hand witness to the damage, suggests that SWD may 07 21 13 be a larger problem than his col1/4 pg 3.5 x 5 VWM sep/oct Dr. Doug Pfeiffer of Virginia Tech thinks leagues in other states recognize. SWD may be more of a threat to eastern "Thinking has been colored by vineyards than his colleagues in the research in the West and created West ethan the perception that it is not that email to:believe. cc: adproduction@vwmmedia.com severe," he said. SWD isn't the only new bug on fly is brown in color, with longitudithe vineyard block. The African fig nal white body stripes, thinly borfly, Zaprionus indianus, has also dered by black. been found in vineyards infested Although it may not be able to with SWD. Originating in Africa, the penetrate uninjured fruit, the oppor- tunistic fig fly attacks grapes that have already been injured by SWD. The relationship with SWD is under investigation. Together, SWD and African fig fly may end up forcing many growers to monitor a new bug, and reconsider spraying regimes. Meanwhile, entomologists including Pfeiffer and a team operating from Oregon State University are raising colonies of the bugs in their laboratories, trying to understand their behaviors and tastes, and most importantly, identify their weaknesses. HOW IT GOT HERE Originating in Asia, the SWD arrived in California in 2008 and made itself known in raspberry crops the following year. By 2010 it was found in California vineyards and fruit farms up the Pacific Coast to Oregon, Washington and Fraser Valley of British Columbia. Oregon State University secured "I always receive the correct parts and all the Carlsen & Associates staff I have ever talked to know exactly what I need. This kind of customer service is what good business is all about." Kevin Armstrong - Maintenance Waterbrook Winery Walla Walla, WA Carlsen & Associates 707-431-2000 w w w. v w m media.com S e p t - O c t 2 0 13 | V I N E YA R D & W I N E RY M A N A G E M E N T 53