The Master Gardener Foundation of San Juan County in partnership with San Juan County Washington State University Extension is pleased to present a workshop on Spotted Wing Drosophila by Dr. Beverly S. Gerdeman, Join us April 6, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Friday Harbor Skagit Valley College Community Room 221 Weber Way.

Drosophila suzukii, commonly known as Spotted Wing Drosophila or SWD, is of concern to home gardeners and commercial producers. SWD is unique because it lays eggs inside ripening fruit. The maggots hatch from these eggs and feed inside fruit accelerating decay. It is considered a serious threat to fruit, especially berry crops, and this pest is particularly difficult to manage, especially on crops ripening after July.

Learn to trap and identify SWD. Learn the SWD life cycle and available organic controls.

Gerdeman has been at the Mt. Vernon Extension since 2007. Her research focuses on small fruits and entomology of seed crops. She has worked in both conventional and organic systems and internationally with farmers to reduce pesticides and to promote sustainable production methods.

Reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities and special needs who contact the San Juan County Extension at least two weeks prior to the event. Extension programs are available to all without discrimination. Evidence of non-compliance may be reported to your local extension office or to the WSU Center for Human Rights.