Originally reported as Blueberry Maggot (Rhagoletis mendax)
Submitter has sample
Small, white, maggot worms inside the ripened fruit of all of our berries. We also grow grapes, plums, and apples - which may also be attacked this year as well.
Blueberry maggot, Rhagoletis mendax, only attack blueberries and related plants, such as huckleberries. Oregon Department of Agriculture has trapped for blueberry maggot several times recently and not found it in Oregon nor has it been reported elsewhere in the West. The description of the the fruits attacked perfectly fits the spotted wing Drosopphila, Drosophila suzukii. I am certain that is what is attacking the fruit. Oregon State University's website on this insect has the most recent recommendations for control of this new exotic pest - http://swd.hort.oregonstate.edu/gardeners
Lisa DeBruyckere
July 19, 2010, 12:52 a.m.
Is there any harm in eating them? We had consumed pounds of the infested berries before we realized the problem. . . Thank you for your help!
Reporter
July 22, 2010, 1:35 p.m.
Lisa DeBruyckere
July 27, 2010, 1:40 a.m.