OFRF acknowledges the ability of tales to have an effect on change. We’ve launched into a undertaking to gather and share the tales of researchers, particularly these whose work is embedded inside the natural neighborhood. On this effort, we’re completely satisfied to introduce this primary Natural Researcher Highlight. Our Researcher Highlight Sequence showcases present analysis being finished on a few of the hardest challenges confronted by natural producers throughout the nation. By way of a sequence of interviews, OFRF is sharing updates and outcomes from thrilling collaborative analysis tasks at present being funded by the Natural Agriculture Analysis and Extension Initiative (OREI) and the Natural Transitions Program (ORG).
Natural farmers constantly report that pests are one of the vital difficult elements of natural manufacturing, particularly within the south. For farmers producing small fruits like blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and stone fruits like peaches or cherries, the Noticed Wing Drosophila (SWD), an invasive fly of Asian origin, has been inflicting injury to crops since its first documented presence in the US, in 2008.
Picture: College of Georgia Division of Entomology
Dr. Ash Sial, College of Georgia blueberry entomologist, has heard and seen this injury first-hand working with farmers within the area. To answer this rising pest and to supply solutions to how you can management the pest organically, Dr. Sial leads the “SWD Natural Administration” grant, collaborating with researchers throughout the nation and with farmers within the south.
This OREI-funded analysis focuses on understanding the life-cycle of this pest, and builds a groundwork of understanding of how the fly is (or will not be) surviving on farms. Working collaboratively with natural farmers within the area, Dr. Sial’s analysis is figuring out how sure cultural and bodily controls, like pruning methods and mulches, can successfully management this newly-introduced pest. Watch OFRF’s interview with Dr. Sial from early 2023:
For extra details about SWD, try OFRF’s factsheet, watch this SWD presentation by Dr. Sial, and study extra about his work on SWD on the College of Georgia.
