Status of Drosophila suzukii in Belgium
Following the finding of one adult male of Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae – EPPO A2 List) in Belgium during the last week of November 2011 (EPPO RS 2011/211), a short survey was carried out by the NPPO. In the meantime, no more findings of the pest are reported. The NPPO decided to start a monitoring campaign from March 2012 using traps throughout Belgium which will mainly focus on soft fruit production. In addition, traps will be placed at border inspection points, at fruit auctions and in warehouses. The survey will focus especially on the region in West-Vlaanderen where the pest was found. Moreover, special attention will be paid to the occurrence of disease symptoms during quality controls. A selection of possible management options has been drawn up in case of future findings.
The pest status of D. suzukii in Belgium is officially declared as: Transient, actionable, under surveillance.
Sources
NPPO of Belgium (2012-01).