In susceptibility tests the larvae of Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWG) showed high susceptibility to the three new treatments

01 Nov 2024
290

The Drosophila suzukii or spotted-wing drosophila is a fruit crop pest that poses a significant economic threat to species like cherries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, peaches, nectarines, apricots, grapes, among others.

Originating from Asia, it was first detected in Spain in 2008, and its control relies on chemical insecticides such as spinosyns, organophosphates, pyrethroids, and neonicotinoids, which are not highly effective due to the insect’s short biological cycles.

Typically, applications are accompanied by crop control measures, such as removing infested or overripe fruits and using protective nets or traps to reduce pest populations.

In the search for strategies to control this insect, alternative biological control measures are being developed, including natural repellents, predators, parasitoids, or entomopathogenic species of nematodes and fungi.

Increased effectiveness in the larval stage

A study by the Department of Animal Biology, Plant Biology, and Ecology at the Autonomous University of Barcelona confirmed in laboratory settings the potential of entomopathogenic nematodes for biological control against Drosophila suzukii, particularly in the larval stage.

Published in the August-September 2024 issue of Phytoma, the work studies the susceptibility of different pest stages to entomopathogenic nematodes.

In addition, researchers developed two preliminary tests under laboratory conditions: one to assess the dispersion ability of nematodes by infected adults and another to evaluate their effectiveness when applied to strawberries infested with D. suzukii larvae.

The tests were conducted using nematodes from the Zoology Unit strain collection at the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB): Steinernema feltiae (isolated from a raspberry field in Extremadura), S. carpocapsae (isolated from an urban garden in Barcelona), and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (commercial strain).

In susceptibility tests, D. suzukii larvae showed high susceptibility to the three treatments, with mortality rates between 75% and 95%.

A high influx of nematodes was observed, and both S. feltiae and S. carpocapsae were able to reproduce in the larvae and generate new infectious forms.

C:\Users\Lugli\Desktop\CHERRY TIME\DS Fonte Boselli Regione Emilia Romagma.jpg

Image 1. Cherry fruits with Drosophila suzukii larvae. Source: Boselli, Emilia-Romagna Region

Variable results in tests on adult insects

In contrast, in the tests on mature adults, mortality varied significantly depending on the treatment received. Treatments with S. feltiae and H. bacteriophora showed low virulence, with adult mortality rates of 4% and 1%, respectively.

However, treatment with S. carpocapsae achieved a 64.6% mortality rate. These results are similar to those found in other insects, such as Ceratitis capitata or Tuta absoluta, where S. carpocapsae demonstrated a high ability to infect adults.

In the case of newly emerged adults, higher susceptibility compared to mature adults was observed, reaching 89.56% mortality with S. carpocapsae treatment.

According to the authors, this is due to the increased vulnerability of adults to infection after emergence from the pupa, given their soft cuticle and limited mobility.

When assessing the ability of infected D. suzukii adults to disperse nematodes, the results confirmed both the high capacity of S. carpocapsae to infect adults upon emergence from the puparium, as well as that flying adults infected by nematodes can disperse and, upon death, release the nematodes reproduced within them into nearby areas.

Image 2. Spotted-wing Drosophila: male (left) and female (right) (SWD). Source: Shane F. McEvey, Australian Museum

“About 17.9% of these infected adults could fly, carrying up to four nematodes inside. In field conditions, these infected flying adults could disperse the nematodes that reproduced within them,” the researchers state.

Finally, preliminary tests of nematode application on fruits infested with larvae showed about 30% efficacy for S. feltiae and S. carpocapsae.

Field trials are needed to confirm the efficacy of nematodes in real-world conditions and to determine their potential as a control method for D. suzukii,” the authors conclude.

To download the publication, click here.

Source: Biologicials Latam

Image: Drosophila suzukii adults infected by Steinernema carpocapsae. Photo: Autonomous University of Barcelona.


Italian Berry - Tutti i diritti riservati

What to read next

North West cherries shine in ‘Cherry Glow’ advertising campaign

Markets

30 Aug 2024

The “cherry glow” promotion highlighted the benefits of cherries for health and beauty to boost consumption and movement of Northwest cherries. The promotion was launched across the United States, reaching retailers, media, influencers, and social media users.

Italian campaign promotes cherries on-the-go

Consumption

23 Jun 2023

Ortofrutta Italia has launched a new campaign to promote cherries in Italy, aiming to enhance the fruit and vegetable sector and promote dialogue between all players in the supply chain, with a particular focus on consumers.

In evidenza

The importance of rootstock and fertilization in Summit cherries quality

Tech management

21 Nov 2024

A Chinese study analyzed the effects of five different rootstocks on Summit sweet cherry cultivar during the fruit veraison phase with or without nitrogen-free nutrient fertilizers. The five rootstocks tested were: Mahaleb, Gisela 5, and three hybrid selections H11, H17, and H22.

Colour and ripeness of cherries: decisive factors for export quality

Quality

21 Nov 2024

Given its direct influence on other indices such as flavor and firmness, this time we will analyze color, from the perspective of homogenization in the final product, the high percentage of light-colored fruit, and the high percentage of dark-colored fruit.

Tag Popolari