First report of Drosophila suzukii in Israel
The NPPO of Israel recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first record of Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Tephritidae – EPPO A2 List) on its territory. In August 2019, the pest was incidentally found by a member of the public in a private garden. Specimens were reared from raspberry (Rubus idaeus) and identified with classical methods using the EPPO diagnostic protocol (EPPO Standard PM 7/115). The identification was verified using molecular methods (PCR and sequencing). The NPPO of Israel (PPIS) is currently carrying out surveys to determine the distribution of D. suzukii. Until now, the pest has been found on Rubus spp. in Jerusalem hills and Sha’al. Infested plots and gardens have been treated.
The pest status of Drosophila suzukii in Israel is officially declared as: Present, limited distribution.
Sources
NPPO of Israel (2020-01).