Drosophila suzukii found in Campania and Liguria regions, Italy
The NPPO of Italy recently informed the EPPO Secretariat about the presence of Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae – EPPO Alert List) in Campania region. In 2010, the pest was found on greenhouse strawberries (Fragaria ananassa) in the province of Salerno, Campania region. Surveys are being carried out to delimit the extent of the infestation in the region.
The presence of D. suzukii in Liguria region is reported by Süss & Costanzi (2010). In autumn 2010, a heavy infestation caused by larvae of a Diptera species was observed on greenhouse strawberries and field raspberries (Rubus idaeus) near Savona. Larvae were reared in the laboratory and emerging flies were identified as D. suzukii. In the area of Savona, farmers had already noticed sporadic and similar damage in 2009 but they were considered unimportant. In 2010, pest outbreaks attributed to D. suzukii increased, causing 30%-40% damage to strawberry crops (attaining 80% in some crops). The strawberry cultivar ‘Mara des bois’ was the most infested but other cultivars such as ‘Annabel’, ‘Diamante’ and ‘Sant’ Andrea’ were also damaged.
The situation of Drosophila suzukii in Italy can be described as follows: Present, first detected in 2009, it now occurs in Campania (Salerno province), Liguria (Savona province), Trentino-Alto Adige (Trento, Bolzano provinces), Piemonte (Cuneo, Torino provinces), Toscana.
Sources
NPPO of Italy (2010-01).
Süss L, Costanzi M (2010) Presence of Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura, 1931) (Diptera Drosophilidae) in Liguria (Italy). Journal of Entomological and Acarological Research 42(3), 185-188.