Ganaspis kimorum: the Netherlands is studying how to integrate it to combat Drosophila suzukii

16 Dec 2024
765

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.


Cherry Times - All rights reserved

What to read next

The importance of water hygiene for post-harvest cherries

Post-harvest​

28 Jun 2024

Proper temperature management is a key factor for quality. Low temperatures (0ºC) and high humidity (90-95%) allow good quality for at least 2 weeks. However, with temperatures between 4º-6ºC this duration is reduced to 4-8 days.

Fruit quality and cracking susceptibility in three sweet cherry cultivars

Quality

22 Apr 2025

A Romanian study analyzes the correlation between fruit quality and cracking in three sweet cherry cultivars: Special, Tentant, and Severin. The results highlight significant differences in weight, pH, color, °Brix, and cracking index, with implications for varietal selection.

In evidenza

Spring frost slashes Michigan cherry harvest

Production

18 Jul 2025

A late spring frost has severely impacted Michigan’s cherry harvest, with tart cherry yields expected to drop by 45% and sweet cherries by 30%. Despite excellent fruit quality, the reduced supply across the region is expected to lead to significantly higher market prices.

Dormancy management in fruit trees: strategies for changing temperate climates

Tech management

18 Jul 2025

Global warming affects dormancy in deciduous fruit trees, altering bloom, fruit set, and yields. Agronomic practices and genetic models support dormancy management in temperate climates with mild winters, improving productivity and sustainability of orchards.

Tag Popolari