Effects of Pruning on Hemadas nubilipennis and Drosophila suzukii in Highbush Blueberry Plants
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Authors
Rana, Shivani
Issue Date
2018
Type
Thesis
Language
en_US
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
The invasive spotted wing drosophila (SWD) (Drosophila suzukii) and the native blueberry gall wasp (Hemadas nubilipennis) are two different types of pests that are effecting the blueberry production in North America. The SWD is directly infesting blueberries of all types and the blueberry wasp has developed a relationship with blueberry bushes of creating gulls that redirect nutrients going to the plant to the gall and forming a nutritive tissue that harvest’s the larvae that will leave the following spring. Over the years there has been multiple studies on the best way to respond and reduce the effects of these two pests, however a conclusive approach doesn’t exist. In this study, the effect of pruning was measured between three different blueberry sites in Michigan. The results showed that there was significant difference in infestation by SWD for one of the sites in exterior and interior berries collected on August 10th. Another site showed significant difference in pruning intensity in exterior berries for the week August 16th and 22nd. More research needs to be conducted and a better control or observation of SWD should be done in the future. Also, since each plant reacts differently to their surrounding and the other environmental factors within each plant, more recognition of the unique factors and control of these factors would show a better result of the effects of pruning on ‘Jersey’ blueberry plants.
Description
iv, 24 p.
Citation
Publisher
Kalamazoo College
License
U.S. copyright laws protect this material. Commercial use or distribution of this material is not permitted without prior written permission of the copyright holder.