Author Bio

Dr. Elizabeth Long is an assistant professor of Entomology at Purdue University, in West Lafayette, IN with research and extension efforts focused on the management of pest and beneficial insects in outdoor fruit and specialty crop production systems. Currently, Dr. Long’s research program focuses on understanding the ecological interactions between plants, insects, and their environment, and how these interactions scale up to influence pest management. Dogwood borer: a re-emerging pest in apple production This presentation will provide an overview of the biology and management of dogwood borer in apple production. While this is not a new pest, there have been increasing reports of injury caused by the boring caterpillars in high density and U-pick apple orchards in the north central region. Dr. Long will highlight mating-disruption and pheromone-based monitoring tools and attendees will have the opportunity to sign up to participate in a monitoring network for this pest during the 2026 production season. 2025 monitoring updates: Spotted-wing drosophila and their parasitoids This presentation will provide an update on the seasonal activity of the invasive spotted-wing drosophila (SWD) in Indiana, based on 2025 captures in monitoring traps placed in brambles and blueberries. Dr. Long will also highlight the activity of SWD parasitoids captured in monitoring traps located both inside and outside blueberry orchards in northern Indiana and discuss the relationship between SWD activity and parasitoid activity during the monitoring season.