Project Number: 6404-21430-001-15
Project Type: Specific Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Sep 01, 2012
End Date: Aug 31, 2017

Objective:
The objective of this cooperative research is to conduct life-history analysis of the new and invasive insect pest, the Spotted-Wing Drosophila (SWD) to determine if key ornamental and small-fruits grown in the southern USA may be susceptible to economic damage.

Approach:
A variety of locally grown, common ornamental species will be examined to determine if Spotted-Wing Drosophila (SWD) is causing damage to plant structures. In particular, dogwoods, roses, and other common small-fruit species grown (esp. blue berry cultivars) in the Tennessee Valley will be examined. Adult monitoring traps will be deployed to determine if and when SWD are present in a given area. If SWD is detected, then standard life-history analysis will be performed for the infected plant(s). Special emphasis will be to determine if the infected host is a suitable reproductive host for SWD.