News about Drosophila suzukii

Drosophila suzukii, hope from the sterile insect technique (SIT)

Crop protection

01 Mar 2024

The sterile insect technique (SIT) is based on the flooding of sterilised males of the species by ionising X-ray irradiation. SIT has been used successfully in the past against other key pests, e.g. the fruit fly.

Drosophila and cracking in cherry trees: optimistic forecasts from the Modena Phytosanitary Consortium

Crop protection Press review

29 Dec 2023

Analysing D.suzukii monitoring data, an initial population level lower than the last three years was revealed, followed by a population increase in June that necessitated an intensification of insecticide interventions on late varieties.

New El Niño damage: bad weather favours new developments for Drosophila suzukii in Chile

Crop protection

10 Nov 2023

Despite the good climatic conditions for the spread of Drosophila suzukii, experts point out that growers have gained more knowledge about the pest in previous years, which enables them to control it more effectively and minimise risks.

Studies from California reveal some problems with insecticide resistance of Drosophila suzukii

Crop protection Press review

03 Nov 2023

Scientific studies have shown a decrease in susceptibility of SWD adults to Spinosad, malathion and Spinetoram. In trials in which researchers expected 100% control of SWD, they found a mortality of between 55% and 75%.

First experimental release of Asian wasp in Switzerland to control Drosophila suzukii

Press review

14 Sep 2023

The invasive Drosophila suzukii is a devastating pest for small fruit, stone fruit and grape crops. An antagonist will now be released in Switzerland for the first time by Agroscope and CABI. Experimental releases are planned in the cantons of Jura and Ticino.

Biological control of Drosophila suzukii is possible: it is only necessary to know (and favor) the parasitoids

Crop protection

29 Aug 2023

The purpose of the study was to develop knowledge on parasitoid community of Drosophilidae in the tart cherry agroecosystem. Additionally, it aimed to identify landscape factors that have a role in the future augmentative and classical biological control releases.

Drosophila suzukii, mild winter and increased population. Onwards with parasitoid launches

Crop protection

04 Aug 2023

In the January-April period, the monitoring network of the E. Mach Foundation detected catches of Drosophila suzukii up to ten times higher than the average of the last decade. This explains the intensity of the attack recorded on the cherry crop since the last ten days of May.

Guidelines against Drosophila suzukii in cherry crops

Crop protection

01 Jun 2023

Since its arrival in France in 2010, Drosophila suzukii has caused extensive damage to several species, including cherries. The aim of a recent CTIFL note is to provide technical elements for phytosanitary protection of cherry trees against D. suzukii.

Experimental programme for the integrated management of cherry trees against Drosophila suzukii and physiopathologies

Covers Tech management

12 May 2023

Experiences with the application of multifunctional insect nets, territorial biological control and the attract & kill technique in Vignola. The study project on integrated cherry tree management is entering the third year of the work programme.

Rapid expansion of Drosophila suzukii is a serious threat

Crop protection

05 Apr 2023

Drosophila suzukii has been rapidly spreading across many countries. The integration of agronomic and sanitation practices besides to the chemical protection can create an unfavourable environment for the phytophagous limiting its presence.