Jul 20, 2023

WSU seeks organic fruit growers for SWD study

Washington State University (WSU) is seeking organic blueberry and cherry growers to participate in a study on controlling spotted wing drosophila (SWD).

WSU is conducting a study involving the release and recapture of parasitoid wasps, which are natural enemies of SWD. The study would benefit growers and researchers, according to a news release, a participation may lead to overall SWD reduction and fruit yield increases.

Participants must be organic growers. Researchers are primarily looking for farms that grow blueberries or cherries, and have a wild SWD host nearby, such as Himalayan blackberry or chokecherry.

If interested, contact graduate student Robert Czokajło at the WSU Wenatchee Tree Fruit Research & Extension Center via email at robert.czokajlo@wsu.edu.