Oregon Grape Growers on the Lookout for Dragon Fruit Fly

A report that the Spotted Wing Drosophila (also known as the Dragon Fruit Fly) has been found in Oregon wine grapes turns out to be premature. The report cited Terry Witt, Executive Director, of Oregonians for Food and Shelter as a source.

Growers are, however, being advised to keep their eyes open for the fly, in case it causes problems in the future. The pest has already been found amid other Oregon fruit crops.

"We just had a meeting where Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA), United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA/APHIS) and Oregon State University (OSU) were present to discuss what is known about the Drosophila suzukii," Witt confirmed. "It appears that the 'news' about it being confirmed in Oregon grapes may have come from our email alert about the meeting and at this time has not been verified, but growers have just now begun looking at all fruit across the state."

According to Helmuth Rogg, Entomologist, IPPM Program Manager, Plant Division, at ODA, there is no official record of SWD from grapes. "So far we collected SWD from blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, and peaches," Rogg stated. "We collected SWD from about 6 counties, mainly in the Willamette Valley, of Oregon. We will prepare a public website on which all interested parties can contribute and receive information. The main objective of this website will be to present information, data and results of work done by ODA, OSU and USDA-ARS."

Dan J. Hilburn, administrator of the Plant Division of the ODA, stated, "It is true that spotted wing drosophila has not been confirmed as a pest of wine grapes in Oregon. Vineyard owners would be wise to keep their eyes open for this fly in the coming weeks and learn more about it this winter so that if problems arise in the future, they won't be taken by surprise."

An Oregon Natural Resources Report states, "The spotted wing Drosophila (often named "Dragon Fruit Fly") has invaded Oregon from California and has already been confirmed in several Oregon fruit crops -- blueberries, caneberries and grapes. Stuart Olson, a local peach, apple and cherry grower, believes this could literally shut down fresh fruit sales from Oregon. Unlike the vinegar fruit fly that takes to rotted fruit, this critter infects ripening fruit and is visible in the fruit as a small maggot."