Early spotted wing drosophila fruit flies threaten Maine's blueberry and raspberry crops due to hot weather.

Early spotted wing drosophila fruit flies threaten Maine's blueberry and raspberry crops due to unusually hot weather conditions. The pests lay eggs on ripe fruit, causing damage. Maine is collecting samples from berry farms to assess infestation levels. Berry farmers are taking preventive measures, such as using mechanical harvesters to collect ripe fruit before flies lay eggs, and reducing pesticide use.

July 12, 2024
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