Spotted wing drosophila causes significant economic and operational damage to berry growers, as outlined in this companion article.
Fortunately, Suterra’s BioMagnet Ruby contains a powerful food-based attractant, which draws spotted wing drosophila to the device. The device's exterior is coated with a thin layer of insecticide, which adheres to the fly’s tarsi upon contact. Through natural grooming behaviors, the insecticide is distributed among the fly’s body and takes effect, successfully reducing the population of SWD within the field.
Seven Ways BioMagnet Ruby Enhances Berry Operations
With a 4-month duration, BioMagnet Ruby offers the longest persistence of any current spotted wing drosophila management tools. Incorporating an innovative pest management solution like BioMagnet Ruby provides berry growers with several distinct advantages, including:
- Extended Harvest Periods: BioMagnet Ruby facilitates longer harvest windows by eliminating the pre-harvest intervals (PHI) associated with conventional pesticide applications. The devices remain in the field during peak harvest times without compromising worker safety or disrupting harvest schedules.
- Enhanced Fruit Quality: By effectively reducing pest pressure, BioMagnet Ruby helps produce higher quality fruit free from pest-related blemishes or damage. Growers that deploy BioMagnet are at an advantage because they receive quality bonuses for bringing a premium crop to the market.
- Fewer Post-Harvest Rejections: Growers will experience a decrease in larval infestations as a direct result of reduced spotted wing drosophila populations. This decrease in larvae is substantial, as it minimizes pallet rejections; the presence of even one larva means the sale refusal of entire loads of fruit.
- Minimum Residue Level Compliance: Unlike traditional insecticides that leave behind residues on fruit, BioMagnet Ruby uses a minuscule dose of insecticide contained within the device rather than applied directly to the crop. This design ensures fruit meets MRL domestic and export requirements.
- Targeted SWD Control: BioMagnet Ruby has a precise, low dose of active ingredient that targets spotted wing drosophila with the help of a food-based attractant. This differs from a broad-spectrum insecticide spray, which harms pollinators and beneficial species.
- Extended Duration without Resistance: BioMagnet Ruby has a season-long duration and requires only one application compared to the limited persistence and weekly application of traditional insecticide sprays. BioMagnet can be used year after year with no risks of resistance as opposed to other chemistries.
- Ease of Use: BioMagnet Ruby devices are designed to facilitate a hassle-free deployment. Their specialized hook allows for versatile application across different fruit systems. Devices do not require additional adjustments or reactivation throughout the season like other SWD management tactics.
BioMagnet Ruby has been validated in its control of spotted wing drosophila through years of field trials with key members of the berry industry. As listed above, it provides growers with an array of significant advantages including reduced management costs, fewer yield losses, and a greater economic return on their crop. By ensuring consistent production of high-quality fruit, BioMagnet Ruby helps growers maintain a more sustainable and profitable operation.
Connect with a member of our technical team for questions on BioMagnet Ruby and its control of Spotted Wing Drosophila in berry crops.
