Last year, Maine experienced excessive rainfall, impacting berry production. The current season has introduced a new challenge with the early arrival of invasive fruit flies, prompting local farmers to implement protective measures for their blueberries and raspberries. Greta Mendenhall, a berry picker, expressed her enjoyment in selecting the ripest berries at Goss Berry Farm, which saw a substantial yield due to the hot weather in June and July. However, this climate also facilitated an early infestation of fruit flies.
Mike Goss, the farm's manager, noted the unexpected timing of the infestation in mid-June, while Dr. David Handley, a UMaine Horticulture Professor, emphasized the importance of awareness for effective management. The state has initiated sample collection across various berry farms to monitor the presence of these pests. The infestation has already forced some strawberry farms in southern Maine to close prematurely, alerting raspberry and blueberry growers to take pre-emptive actions. Goss Berry Farm, for instance, has employed a mechanical harvester to ensure thorough collection of ripe fruit, a key attraction for fruit flies.
Source: wgme.com