2016 SWD Exclusion Study- SARE Project Report
Abigail Henderson, Senior Administrative Assistant
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
Final Report
Summary
This project investigated the feasibility of using 80 gram (.95 mm x .95 mm) insect exclusion netting on an existing bird netting support system to prevent Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD) infestation in a commercial mature blueberry planting. Complete rows of the planting were covered with 60 gram insect netting, 80 gram insect netting, and standard bird netting prior to fruit coloring. The two netting treatments had mesh covered double entry vestibules for a defined entryway into the planting. Fruit samples were collected weekly and held in rearing cups in a lab for three weeks to determine SWD infestation levels in the fruit.
The system worked extremely well. In 2014, with the 80 gram netting, at most, only 0.53 percent infestation occurred in a 10 week harvest season. Unsprayed berries without exclusion netting had as high as a 60% infestation level in one sampling period alone. In 2015, using the 80 gram netting, at most, a 0.37% infestation was found over a 5 week harvest season. Sprayed berries without exclusion netting had as high as a 20% infestation level in an individual sampling period. The netting held up through 3 severe thunderstorms and 2 hail storms and we refined our attachment system for large scale deployment of large pieces of netting.
READ THE FULL REPORT at http://mysare.sare.org/sare_project/fne14-813/?page=final
Apples
Apricots
Asparagus
Beets
Blueberries
Broccoli
Brussels Sprouts
Cabbage
Carrots
Cauliflower
Cherries
Cucumbers
Dry Beans
Eggplant
Ethnic Vegetables
Garlic
Grapes
Horseradish
Kohlrabi
Leeks
Lettuce / Leafy Greens
Melons
Nectarines
Onions
Parsnips
Peaches
Pears
Peas
Peppers
Plums
Potatoes
Pumpkins / Gourds
Radishes
Raspberries / Blackberries
Rhubarb
Rutabaga
Snap Beans
Squash - Summer
Squash- Winter
Strawberries
Sweet Corn
Sweet Potatoes
Tomatoes
Turnips
Upcoming Events
Ag Labor Road Show IX
December 1, 2025 : Save the Date! - Ag Labor Roadshow Webinar 1
In addition to the in-person Ag Labor Roadshow program in our region on December 9, two webinars are scheduled for December 1 and December 22. Each webinar will focus on different program content that is different from the in-person sessions. These webinars are an added benefit to program registration.
December 9, 2025 : Save the Date - Ag Labor Road Show In-Person Event (Greenwich, NY)
Greenwich, NY
The Roadshow delivers essential updates on labor law, regulations, and workforce best practices—tailored for farm owners, managers, and ag service providers. Sessions also focus on practical strategies to boost communication, strengthen retention, and build a positive workplace culture.
The in-person session for Eastern NY is December 9 - Elks Lodge, Greenwich, NY - full day in person session
Additional in-person sessions are:
December 10 - Hilton Garden Inn, Watertown, NY, December 17 - Cornell AgriTech, Geneva, NY, December 18 - Genesee Community College, Batavia, NY
December 22, 2025 : Save the Date! - Ag Labor Roadshow Webinar 2
In addition to the in-person Ag Labor Roadshow program in our region on December 9, two webinars are scheduled for December 1 and December 22. Each webinar will focus on different program content that is different from the in-person sessions. These webinars are an added benefit to program registration.
How to Obtain a Pesticide Applicator License
December 17, 2025
Thinking about becoming a certified pesticide applicator in New York, but aren't sure where to start? Join DEC representative Kenneth Klubek for a discussion on who needs to become a certified pesticide applicator, certification types, examination procedures, and recertification. Participants will have ample opportunity to ask questions during the program.
2026 Winter Cut Flower Webinar Series
January 6, 2026 : Session 1: Cut Flower Cost Calculator Updates and Woody Cuts
Session 1: Cut Flower Cost Calculator Updates and Woody Cuts
January 13, 2026 : Session 2: Perennials and Industry Trends
Session 2: Perennials and Industry Trends
January 20, 2026 : Session 3: Anaerobic Soil Disinfestation and Biochar
Session 3: Anaerobic Soil Disinfestation and Biochar
January 27, 2026 : Session 4: Beneficial Insects and Propagation Techniques
Session 4: Beneficial Insects and Propagation Techniques
February 3, 2026 : Session 5: Fungal and Insect Pests and Market Trends
Session 5: Fungal and Insect Pests and Market Trends