Organic insecticides for spotted wing drosophila control: Entrust and Grandevo
Entrust and Grandevo are two OMRI (Organic Materials Review Institute) certified insecticides, which are available for use against spotted wing drosophila in organic raspberry production in Wisconsin. As there are only few organically approved insecticides with efficacy against spotted wing drosophila, it is extremely important for organic growers to be cognizant of rotating insecticide modes-of-action to avoid insecticide resistance among spotted wing drosophila. Along with Entrust and Grandevo, which are covered in more detail below, another option available for an organic rotation is Pyganic (Insecticide Resistance Action Committee (IRAC) group 3A, pyrethoids). For additional information specific to organic raspberry control of spotted wing drosophila, you can read the Michigan State University extension publication “Integrated Strategies for Management of Spotted Wing Drosophila in Organic Small Fruit Production”.
Entrust is registered for use in Wisconsin on caneberry crops, including raspberries, blackberries, and loganberries. It is marketed by Dow AgroSciences® under the formulations 80WP (80% active ingredient as a Wettable Powder) and 2SC (2 lb of active ingredient per gallon as a Soluble Concentrate). Entrust is a naturalyte insect control product that is OMRI approved and contains the active ingredient Spinosad. Spinosad is biologically derived from the fermentation of Saccharopolyspora spinosa, a naturally occurring soil bacteria. Entrust is in the class of the Spinosyns (IRAC code 5). Its mode of action is primarily on the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, causing excitation of the insect nervous system which leads to muscle contractions, paralysis, and eventually death. Entrust is most effective through ingestion of treated plants but also has highly effective contact activity.

As well as caneberries, entrust is registered for use on strawberries and bushberries (including blueberry, currant, gooseberry, and elderberry). Along with providing control of spotted wing drosophila, Entrust is effective against Lepidopera pests, such as fruitworms, leafrollers, and armyworms, and sawflies. Refer to the label for specific rates and regulation for other berry crops and pests other than spotted wing drosophila.
Entrust may be applied by ground equipment, chemigation, and by air. See the label for specific application recommendation and regulations for each method. Entrust is toxic to bees exposed to treatments for three hours following treatment. As a precaution, avoid applying any pesticide during bloom when bees are flying. Entrust is toxic to aquatic invertebrates and must not be applied directly to water.
As always, make sure to read the label before using any pesticide. Here are links to Entrust 80WP and for Entrust 2SC.
Grandevo from Marrone© Bio Innovations is a biological insecticide/miticide containing the active ingredient Chromobacterium subtsugae strain PRAA4-1 T . Chromobacterium subtsugae is a bacterium commonly known as Achromacil™ that functions primarily as a stomach poison. It works by creating complex modes of action and control is achieved by unique combinations of repellency, oral toxicity, reduced egg hatch, and reduced fecundity. It is OMRI approved.
Grandevo is registered for use on caneberries (including raspberry, blackberry, and loganberry), as well as strawberries and bushberries (including blueberry, currant, gooseberry, and elderberry). Along with providing control of spotted wing drosophila, Grandevo has shown effectiveness against leafrollers, fruitworms, armyworms, aphids, and thrips. Refer to the label for specific rates and regulation for other berry crops and pests other than spotted wing drosophila.

Grandevo may be applied by ground equipment, chemigation, and by air. See the label for specific application recommendation and regulations for each method. When mixing with water, do not mix more than 24 hours before use, and add ¾ of the desired quantity of water before adding the Grandevo.
Thorough coverage of infested plant parts is necessary for effective control of spotted wing drosophila, as well as of other insects and mites.
Note that this product is not toxic to bees but repels them for up to 4-6 days after spraying. It is toxic to certain non-target arthropods and aquatic invertebrates, and should not be applied directly to water.
As always, make sure to read the label before using any pesticide.
This article was posted in Insects and tagged Spotted Wing Drosophila, SWD.