There is a possibility of a breakthrough in the research on controlling Drosophila suzukii. A natural enemy has been found, the parasitic wasp Ganaspis kimorum, which very selectively attacks D. suzukii. This was reported by Wageningen UR researcher Herman Helsen.
Helsen has high hopes for the parasitic wasp that Swiss researchers found in Asia. The researchers have studied the parasitic wasp in the laboratory for years. Earlier this year, they published a study showing that this species very selectively attacks specimens of Drosophila suzukii.
Unlike parasitic wasps native to Europe, this specimen searches for its opponents on trees rather than on the ground. “We hope that the release of Ganaspis can counter the annual explosion of Drosophila suzukii,” he stated.
Before the wasp can be introduced in the Netherlands, there is still much to be done. Helsen: “We need to prove that the introduction of the parasitic wasp will not disrupt the entire native fauna. For such authorization, a dossier is required. The province of Gelderland, through Greenport Gelderland and Fruitpact, has provided the funds to prepare the application dossier."
"We are applying for admission to Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland; the evaluation is under the Ministry of LVVN. We hope to gain admission without issues. Shortly after approval, we hope the research on PPP can begin. The NFO has submitted a research proposal regarding this. This still needs approval. The outcome is expected this year, and the hope is to start research in early 2025.
We need to study Ganaspis, cultivate it, and release it to see the results, its life cycle, and its impact on Drosophila suzukii. The fruit fly will not disappear, but we hope that with the arrival of this parasitic wasp, other management approaches will become more effective and less reliant on chemicals.”
The third step will be to mass-rear the parasitic wasp, creating a product that growers can use in their crops. “We want to introduce it on a large scale: the entire cultivation of red fruits is threatened by Drosophila suzukii. Numerous native species of trees and shrubs with red fruits are also at risk. But all this still requires extensive research.”
Source: Nederlandse Fruttelers Organisatie
Image: Gallardo, F.E., Funes, C.F., Reche, V. et al. First Record and Distribution of Ganaspis brasiliensis (Hymenoptera: Figitidae: Eucoilinae), a Parasitoid of Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae) in Argentina. Neotrop Entomol 51, 164–169 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13744-021-00912-z.
29 Jan 2025
Faced with this scenario, Patricio Morales proposes four key strategies to implement immediately, especially now that most cherry growers are in the peak of the post-harvest period.
27 Jan 2025
Between 2021 and 2022, researchers at the University of Georgia conducted field surveys to study the North American native parasitoids of Drosophila suzukii. A total of 371 Drosophila parasitoids were collected through the deployment of sentinel traps consisting of fruit baits.
12 Dec 2025
In the last decade, Chile turned cherries into a premium export worth over US$ 1.8 billion, driven by ideal climate, advanced technical management and booming Chinese demand. Andean areas of Peru show potential, but would require infrastructure and adapted strategies.
12 Dec 2025
A Ukrainian study shows that a pre-harvest treatment with chitosan and salicylic acid extends sour cherry shelf life up to 30 days, reducing weight loss, defects, and microbial contamination. It enhances fruit storage, quality and marketability post-harvest.
