Drosophila suzukii

The vinegar fly Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) (Diptera Drosophilidae), spotted wing drosophila, is a new invasive fruit pest that recently became established in Europe. From 2011-2013 we noticed an increased presence of D. suzukii in Belgium and in 2014 (after a very mild winter) D. suzukii caused considerable damage in different fruit crops. This project aims to elaborate efficient control measures, mainly based ‘attract and kill’ and mass trapping. In addition we will try to develop an innovative solution for an efficient and safe removal of infested fruits out of fruit production parcels.