Hummingbirds Help Control Spotted-wing Drosophila Infestation

FROM ATTRA: Researchers at Cornell University published a study showing that hummingbirds reduced spotted-wing drosophila (SWD) fruit infestation levels by up to 64% in field trials on berry farms. SWD is a damaging pest of soft-skinned fruit. The researchers experimented with placing hummingbird feeders in raspberry plantings, and found reductions in SWD infestations. Organic fruit grower David Stern, who hosted some of the field trials, notes that he was initially skeptical, but today he’s a believer. “Hummingbirds are part of a very big picture, along with pruning and organic sprays we use,” Stern said. The researchers note that hummingbirds can also add to the agritourism experience on u-pick fruit farms.