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News
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Oregon ag responds to the Spotted Wing Drosophila
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8/11/2010
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Article Content Suggested lead
So far this summer, Oregon's fruit crops have made it to the marketplace in good shape despite fears that a tiny fruit fly would have a huge negative impact:
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Audio 01
After first detecting Spotted Wing Drosophila in Oregon late last summer, growers were ready for it this year in terms of monitoring and managing the pest when it showed up. But Dan Hilburn of the Oregon Department of Agriculture says we are at a critical juncture:
HILBURN: "Up until this point, the cherries, the caneberries and blueberries that have made it to market have been high quality and without problems from spotted wing drosophila. But we don't know that's because of the efforts that have been made or because this thing is always going to an end of the season problem." :19
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Audio 02
Some growers had significant losses late last summer when Spotted Wing Drosophila burst onto the scene. But commercial growers this year have effectively used pesticide products- some even approved for organic growers- to avert any crop damage. That doesn't mean Oregon is problem free:
HILBURN: "We have had hot spots that have had fruit damage. It's interesting to look at those hot spots. They are almost all backyards, unmanaged situations." :12
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Unlike other fruit flies that feed off rotting fruit, this one attacks fresh, ripening fruit. Even though smaller growers and home gardeners may be finding problems, consumers should rest assured that local fruit in the marketplace right now is clean, good tasting, and nothing to worry about. In Salem, I'm Bruce Pokarney.
Additional audio: Audio 03
HILBURN says so far, so good when it comes to the Spotted Wing Drosophila in Oregon. Effective pesticide applications have helped, including products certified for organic use. But there's a long way to go before the fruit harvest season is over:
"Up till this point, the crops have been good. The growers have been monitoring and taking precautionary steps when needed, including the organic growers." :11
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Additional audio: Audio 04
HILBURN says Oregon’s fruit crops have made it to the marketplace in good shape so far this summer despite the threat from Spotted Wing Drosophila:
“I think the message to consumers is the fruit that is making it to the market is high quality, good tasting, and nothing to worry about.” :08
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Full story
http://oregon.gov/ODA/news/100811drosophila.shtml |
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