Studies on Drosophila suzukii in Spain
In Spain, Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae – EPPO A2 List) was first found in Rasquera (near Tarragona, Cataluña) during autumn 2008 (EPPO RS 2010/007). Trapping studies carried out in Cataluña showed that D. suzukii could be found in 15 localities (out of 26 studied) and in 36 localities (out of 59) in 2010 and 2011, respectively. Damage was first confirmed in 2011 in 6 localities in the province of Barcelona on cherries and strawberries, and to a lesser extent on plums, figs and peaches. In autumn 2011, further studies were conducted on the host fruit of D. suzukii, and on its potential natural enemies. Samples of 18 plant species including fruit crops, forest and garden plants were collected. Infestations were found in strawberries and raspberries (known hosts of D. suzukii), as well as in fruits of Solanum luteum (weed) and Arbutus unedo (common shrub in Mediterranean forests and gardens). Both S. luteum and A. unedo were not previously recorded as host fruit of D. suzukii, but they may play a role in maintaining pest populations in the uncultivated environment. During these studies, several insects which might act as parasitoids have been collected and are under identification. Several predators, Orius laevigatus, Cardiasthetus fasciventris, C. nazarenus (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae), and Dicyphus tamaninii (Hemiptera: Miridae) were also collected. However, more research is needed to determine the potential of these natural enemies in controlling D. suzukii.
Sources
Gabarra R, Arno J, riudavets J (2012) Primeros resultados sobre Drosophila suzukii: huéspedes, suceptibilidad de los frutos y enemigos naturales. Phytoma-España no. 240, 46-52.