Destructive Vinegar Flies Head for Arkansas
Little Rock, Arkansas-
By ANUK Staff
2.14.13
Arkansas fruit farms are facing a miniscule, yet substantial threat.
A cousin of the common fruit fly, the vinegar fly otherwise known as the Spotted Wing Drosophila, is threatening millions of dollars in state fruit crops. The flies have already caused millions of dollars in damage on the east and west coasts by laying eggs in ripening fruit such as blueberries and raspberries, according to Arkansas Matters.
Experts contend that the flies are 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 Don Johnson.
Pest control training for farmers is being hosted by the University of Arkansas Cooperative, which will provide instruction on how to check for and defend against the flies.
