Drosophila suzukii is an invasive insect, originally from Asia, known for its ability to lay eggs in ripe fruits, causing significant economic damage to farmers. This fly poses a threat to fruit crops in many regions worldwide, including Italy.
A recent study conducted on the slopes of Mount Etna (Italy) analyzed the seasonal activity, population genetics, and presence of parasitoids potentially useful for the biological control of this insect in the area.
The study was carried out in five locations distributed between the eastern and northwestern slopes of Etna, with a year-long monitoring period. The captures of Drosophila suzukii showed a clear influence of local climatic conditions: in the warmer areas of the eastern slope, the insect was present year-round, with two peaks in late spring and autumn.
Conversely, in the colder locations of the northwestern slope, the Drosophila suzukii population was significantly reduced during winter months, with a notable resurgence in summer and autumn. Humidity and temperature influenced population dynamics: high temperatures reduced captures, while increases in humidity favored the fly’s presence.
Image 1. Catches of Drosophila suzukii showed a clear influence of local climatic conditions:
The genetic analysis of the Drosophila suzukii population revealed that individuals collected on Mount Etna share a single genetic origin, suggesting a single introduction of the species into the region. Genetic data show similarities with populations present in Europe, North America, and South Korea, confirming a high genetic homogeneity among European populations of this invasive insect. This common genetic origin may be useful, facilitating the testing of new pest management approaches based on genetic control.
One of the most interesting aspects of the study concerns the search for native parasitoids that could contribute to the biological control of Drosophila suzukii. Three parasitoid species were identified: the larval parasitoid Leptopilina boulardi and the pupal parasitoids Pachycrepoideus vindemiae and Trichopria drosophilae. However, only the pupal parasitoids successfully completed their development cycle on Drosophila suzukii in laboratory tests, while Leptopilina boulardi showed high mortality of host larvae without successfully emerging.
These results are encouraging, as the biological control of Drosophila suzukii using native parasitoids could be feasible, albeit with some limitations. The presence of pupal parasitoids indicates potential for biocontrol, but their actual impact on field populations of Drosophila suzukii remains uncertain and requires further study. The study provides an important foundation for the development of sustainable management programs for Drosophila suzukii in Sicily and other regions with similar climatic conditions. However, it is only a starting point, as the real effectiveness of these native parasitoids under field conditions remains to be evaluated.
Image 2. Genetic analysis of the Drosophila suzukii population revealed that individuals collected on Etna share a single genetic origin.
In general, integrated pest management must consider targeted strategies based on local environmental conditions, combining biological control methods, agronomic practices, and monitoring strategies. Understanding the local seasonal dynamics of Drosophila suzukii and the role of its parasitoids can help farmers plan targeted interventions, reducing insecticide use and promoting effective biological control strategies.
Image sources: Warren H. L. Wong, WaspWeb; Gugliuzzo et al., 2024.
Source: Gugliuzzo, Antonio, Cavallaro, Carmelo, Strano, Cinzia P., Alinç, Tugcan, Passos, Luis C., Ricupero, Michele, Lisi, Fabrizio, Cocuzza, Giuseppe E. Massimino, Colazza, Stefano, Russo, Agatino, Siscaro, Gaetano, Garzia, Giovanna Tropea, Zappalà, Lucia, Biondi, Antonio. Seasonal flight activity of Drosophila suzukii and first data on its population genetics and parasitoid occurrence on Mount Etna (Italy) https://doi.org/10.1007/s12600-024-01206-x
Andrea Giovannini
Università di Bologna (IT)
20 Jun 2024
More than 1,200 representatives of the cherry industry gathered at the second version of CherryTech in Chile, the most important technical event for cherry production. Participants took part in three master classes and three forums with 15 speakers.
18 Apr 2025
A groundbreaking agrivoltaic pilot project in Germany installs lightweight solar panels over cherry orchards using existing weather protection systems—maximizing land use, preserving fruit yields and offering a replicable, sustainable model for smart farming across Europe.
10 Sep 2026
In stone fruit, auxins, gibberellins, cytokinins and ABA regulate fruit set, cell division and early fruit growth. The Prunus review explains how hormonal balance influences yield, fruit size, early fruit drop and harvest quality, highlighting its value for orchards.
10 Sep 2026
Drought and high temperatures cut the cherry harvest in the Czech Republic: at Mendel University in Brno, production fell by 16% and some fruit was up to half its usual size, making irrigation increasingly crucial for maintaining stable cherry production in coming year.
