IPM Strategies against Drosophila suzukii (IPMDROS)

The spotted-wing drosophila (SWD), Drosophila suzukii, is a polyphagous invasive pest species native to Asia that is able to attack a wide variety of small-fruit crops. This fly is able to lay eggs in fresh ripening fruits due to the serrated ovipositor of the female. The insertion of the ovipositor produces physical damage to the host fruits, and the feeding larvae cause soft and rot fruits. Resulting damage can be up to 80% crop loss. In this context, the development of IPM programs for the control of D. suzukii is of great importance to reduce the huge economic impact that this fly can potentially exert on European agriculture.

The main objectives of the project were: to improve the basic knowledge about the biology of the fly, including the effect of temperature on development, reproduction and population increase and the overwintering behaviour; to develop effective trapping systems for population reduction; to evaluate alternative methods for control, such as insect growth regulators and entomopathogenic microorganisms; and to perform monitoring surveys for early detection and to develop quarantine measures and effective surveys of goods in global trade among countries.