New Pest Threatens Arkansas Fruit Farms
By: Brittney Johnson
Updated: February 12, 2013
Millions of dollars in state fruit crops could be in big danger, thanks to some tiny flies.
You've seen fruit flies, they come around when fruit is overripe, now experts say farmers need to prepare for their cousins, tiny vinegar flies called Spotted Wing Drosophila. On the east and west coasts these tiny vinegar flies have caused millions of dollars in damage, laying eggs in ripening fruit such as blueberries and raspberries.
Experts say they're making their way to the Natural State.
"They're seeing as much as 50 percent, in some cases 80 percent damage and where growers aren't doing anything they can lose their whole crop. It's devastating," says University of Arkansas Entomology Professor Donn Johnson.
The U of A Cooperative Extension Office is hosting pest control training for farmers to show them how to check for the and defend themselves against the pests.
Click here for more information.
You've seen fruit flies, they come around when fruit is overripe, now experts say farmers need to prepare for their cousins, tiny vinegar flies called Spotted Wing Drosophila. On the east and west coasts these tiny vinegar flies have caused millions of dollars in damage, laying eggs in ripening fruit such as blueberries and raspberries.
Experts say they're making their way to the Natural State.
"They're seeing as much as 50 percent, in some cases 80 percent damage and where growers aren't doing anything they can lose their whole crop. It's devastating," says University of Arkansas Entomology Professor Donn Johnson.
The U of A Cooperative Extension Office is hosting pest control training for farmers to show them how to check for the and defend themselves against the pests.
Click here for more information.
