Parasitic Wasps and Pollinator Habitat Focus of Projects

Jana Lee, an entomologist with the USDA-Agricultural Research Service in Corvallis.

At the 2024 OSU Blueberry Field Day Jana Lee, an entomologist with the USDA-Agricultural Research Service in Corvallis, updated growers and colleagues on the latest developments in a project involving the release of parasitic wasps that attack the spotted wing drosophila.

In its latest development, the project has begun marking wasps with what is know as smart water, Lee said, to help track their location. “We are trying to see how far they move,” she said.

The researchers are also working with Oregon State University Extension Pollinator Specialist Andony Melathopoulos in a project involving establishing pollinator habitat on farms.

“Various farms have established good habitats that bring in bees, and we’re looking at what natural enemies are being benefited and whether it also brings in pests,” Lee said.

Lee said she hopes to have results to share with growers on the two projects next year.