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
24 Oct 2024
Thirty-two ‘Staccato’ plots located in the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia were selected, representing a range of growing conditions in the BC interior. Thirty-one of the blocks were on Mazzard rootstock and one on Colt rootstock.
11 Oct 2024
Vera and her family have the goal of contributing to the development of Moldova. After positive experiences in Spain, Germany, and Belgium, Moreller is now looking to establish long-term partnerships with European customers, particularly in Scandinavian countries.
22 Jan 2026
At Hort Show 2026, experts and growers discussed the future of cherries through market insights, tech innovation and AI. From economic sustainability to mechanical harvesting, the second day focused on boosting profitability and resilience in U.S. cherry farming.
22 Jan 2026
Forchlorfenuron (CPPU) is a growth regulator used in fruit farming to improve size, yield and shelf life. It enhances quality and storage by acting on cell growth, sugar levels and metabolism. A sustainable choice for modern and efficient fruit production systems.
