A new insect pest has arrived in the Okanagan and it could have a devastating impact on the valley’s soft fruit crops.
The Spotted Wing Drosophila, nicknamed the vinegar fly, attacks cherries, berries and peaches.
The fly lays its eggs on newly ripening fruit; the larvae then eat their way through the berry.
The pest was first seen in the Okanagan in the spring and has spread rapidly since.
Horticulturalist Ken Salvail says the insect, which appears in both home gardens and commercial orchards, is faster than anything he has ever seen before.
Cherry growers appear to be in a panic.
The Okanagan-Kootenay Cherry Growers Association has imposed a news blackout; its directors are refusing to talk to the media until they are ready to unveil a comprehensive pest control plan.
There are proven methods of controlling the pest though; Ministry of Agriculture scientists are currently in the process of developing an extensive control program.
The fly originated in Asia, was transplanted to California and most likely came to B.C. in a shipment of imported fruit.
It is believed the Okanagan winter will kill some, but not all, of the adult insects.
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