When it comes to berry, stone fruit, and grape crops, the invasive spotted-wing drosophila (SWD) is a destructive pest. Agroscope and CABI are about to introduce a natural antagonist from the fruit fly's region of origin in East Asia for the first time in Switzerland. To determine whether this parasitic wasp can establish itself in Switzerland to control the SWD population and lessen production losses, trial releases have been made in the cantons of Jura and Ticino.
Between 800 and 1000 adult parasitic wasps (Ganaspis brasiliensis) will be released this week by researchers from Agroscope and the Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International (CABI) in Delémont, Canton of Jura, in the vicinity of fruit that has been infected with SWD at specific locations in the Cantons of Jura and Ticino. The pest larvae should become parasitized by the wasps, at which point they will perish. Following the discharge, the scientists will closely watch the area to see if the parasitic wasp can establish itself in Switzerland. By doing this, SWD could eventually experience a natural counterweight that would prevent it from reproducing unchecked in the medium- to long-term.
What distinguishes this release from others? Ganaspis brasiliensis is not yet present in Switzerland, unlike previously released parasitic wasps that attacked the invasive brown marmorated stink bug in Zurich or the Comstock mealy bug in Valais. Thus, since the Swiss Release Ordinance went into effect in 2008, it is the first exotic beneficial bug to be released for biological pest management in Switzerland. In addition to being carried out this week in France, the same has already been done in Italy and the United States over the past three years. Initial research from these nations provides cause for optimism.
Red the full article: MyScience
14 Apr 2025
Explore the unique cherry biodiversity of Sardinia, Italy. This study reveals 27 traditional varieties with rich genetic traits, high-quality fruits, and strong adaptability—key to sustainable farming and preserving cultural heritage in a changing climate.
07 Aug 2024
The experiment was carried out in a commercial orchard of sweet cherry cv. 'Regina' in Lagnasco, Piedmont, grafted on 'Gisela 5', covered by rain and hail nets. Foliar applications were carried out on 15 plants with: Stimulant Plus®, Set® and Abundantia®.
29 Dec 2025
Sour cherry powder is a superfood rich in antioxidants, beneficial for sleep, muscles and inflammation. In this article, we discover how it is obtained, how it is used, how it differs from juice and why it is gaining a central role in modern healthy diets.
26 Dec 2025
In 2024, cherry consumption in the European Union reached 629,000 tonnes, marking a +4.5% increase on an annual basis and reaching its highest level in ten years. Production, imports and exports are also growing, with Italy and Spain among the leading countries.
