Berries without Bugs: Recreational Foraging and a Fruit Fly Threat in Rural Michigan

Abstract

Recreational foraging is an important cultural activity in the rural region of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. During the summer of 2019, an exploratory survey was conducted of foragers in the Keweenaw Peninsula area of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to identify local knowledge of berries and a new invasive fruit fly, spotted wing drosophila (SWD, Drosophila suzukii). SWD infests fruit before it is harvested, hastening ripening and potentially causing the fruit to spoil more quickly than might be expected. Research studying recreational foraging in the US has primarily focused on the study of urban areas. In addition, research studying SWD???s impact on berry production has largely focused on commercial cultivation rather than foraged harvesting in mixed woodlands. The majority of our respondents began picking berries in their youth and have continued throughout their life, emphasizing the importance of berry foraging within the local culture. Furthermore, many of the respondents confirmed that they pick berries as a cost-saving way to obtain healthy food, which could negatively be impacted by the fruits spoiling more quickly. In conclusion, most respondents were unfamiliar with SWD. Our findings suggest additional research studying the cultural and economic impacts of SWD is needed to inform adaptive foraging practices and SWD infestation prevention.