The emergence of the Spotted Winged Drosophila as a major pest of berry and stone fruit has initiated a ‘spot it, stop it’ campaign engaging the full gambit of controls (from hygiene practices to pesticide application).
Agralan have introduced the Profatec Trap as a new means of monitoring Drosophila numbers, offering an inexpensive, re-usable unit complete with lid and hook. The attractant required (Dros’Attract) comes in 5 litre containers, sufficient to fill 60-65 traps. They are quick and easy to refill and re-hang, and have a 3mm hole size to restrict the ‘by-catch’ of larger flying insects (wasps, flies etc).
Biobest supply a widely accepted lure for monitoring SWD numbers (the Droso-trap), also filled with Dros’Attract. Tunnel ends and field margins are regarded as the best sites for early detection. 10 traps/ha is recommended.
