First report of Drosophila suzukii in Switzerland
The NPPO of Switzerland recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first record of Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae – EPPO Alert List) in the cantons of Ticino and Graubünden (Grisons). In July 2011, adult flies were caught in vinegar traps in the framework of a national surveillance programme. These traps had been placed within or near commercial fields of strawberry (Fragaria ananassa), raspberries (Rubus idaeus), blueberries (Vaccinium) and cherry orchards (Prunus avium). It is noted that significant damage was observed on blueberry fruits after harvest. Investigations are currently being undertaken to identify the possible origin of this outbreak. As D. suzukii is not a regulated pest in Switzerland, no official measures were taken but surveillance will be strengthened (i.e. with a higher density of traps).
The pest status of Drosophila suzukii in Switzerland is officially declared as: Present in some areas (cantons Ticino and Grisons).
Sources
NPPO of Switzerland (2011-08).