Good Fruit Grower

November 2012

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New Technology Yeast tested as lure by Geraldine Warner species of yeast that University of California sci- entists have found in cherries and raspberries infested by the spotted wing drosophila could play a role in developing better lures to detect the pest. The spotted wing drosophila, a pest that originated in Asia, first invaded California in 2008. If uncontrolled, it has the potential to cause $860 million in crop losses for cherry and caneberry growers in California, Oregon, and Washington, according to a press release from the university. UC-Davis scientists, work- ing with a visiting professor from Spain, found the yeast Hanseni- aspora uvarum in almost every cherry, rasp- berry, and spotted wing drosophila larva that they collected in Davis, Winters, and Watsonville. Dr. Kyria Boundy-Mills, curator of the Phaff Yeast Cul- ture Collection, who is working on the project, said they are conducting tests to see if the yeast would be a good lure to detect the fly in the field. In commercial orchards, the spotted wing drosophila is typically being trapped with lures of apple cider vinegar or baker's yeast and sugar water, but those lures also attract other fruit flies and non- target insects. Also working on the project are Dr. Frank Zalom, ento- mologist and IPM specialist at UC Davis, graduate stu- dent Kelly Hamby, and Professor Alejandro Hernandez of the University of Extramadura, Spain. • NEW director S Jim Holt Senior Insurance Agent oil Scientist Dr. Rich Koenig has been appointed associate dean and direc- tor of Washington State University Extension. He was formerly chair of WSU's department of crop and soil sciences. He succeeds Dr. Randy Baldree who served as interim associate director of WSU Extension from June 2011 until September this year. WSU Extension involves more than 700 employees working in out- reach programs in agricul- ture, natural resources, community and economic development, and youth and family, according to a WSU press release. Koenig joined WSU in 2003 and five years later became chair of the department of crop and soil sciences, one of the largest departments in the College of Agricul- tural, Human, and Natural Resource Sci- ences. He holds bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Alaska- Fairbanks and a doctorate from WSU. www.goodfruit.com PERILS THE ARE GREAT Fortunately, so are our crop insurance agents. Like everyone else at Northwest Farm Credit Services, our crop insurance agents live and breathe agriculture. They're immersed in it every day. That's a tremendous advantage when you consider the nature of complex, ever-changing insurance programs. Fact is, risks abound – from adverse weather to a drop in market prices – and you need an insurance partner with expertise, knowledge and commitment, every step of the way. Give us a call today. Your only risk is waiting. farm-credit.com | 800.743.2125 This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer. GOOD FRUIT GROWER NOVEMBER 2012 27

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