The Treatment of CA Strawberries with Methyl Bromide to Eliminate the Spotted Wing Drosophila, Drosophila Suzukii

The spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura), has been found in key California strawberry production regions, as well as, in coastal regions surrounding Pacific port terminals. Although the economic consequence(s) of this pest are unknown, experiments will be conducted to prove that this pest can be eliminated from trade and marketing channels via methyl bromide treatment using the export schedule for Australia (3lbs, 3h, >65 F), as well as, the APHIS T101-z-2 strawberry schedule (3 lbs max., 2h, 50-59 F). In addition, 4 d cold storage at 33-37 F will be explored as a nonchemical alternative for export to Mexico.