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Susceptibility of selected boreal fruits and berries to the invasive pest Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae)
Author(s) -
Little Catherine M,
Chapman Thomas W,
Moreau Debra L,
Hillier N Kirk
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
pest management science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.296
H-Index - 125
eISSN - 1526-4998
pISSN - 1526-498X
DOI - 10.1002/ps.4366
Subject(s) - drosophila suzukii , biology , pest analysis , blowing a raspberry , infestation , drosophila (subgenus) , horticulture , berry , rubus , phenology , crop , botany , drosophilidae , agronomy , drosophila melanogaster , biochemistry , gene
Abstract BACKGROUND Drosophila suzukii Matsumara has recently emerged as a major invasive pest species in soft‐skinned fruits in berries throughout North America and Europe. Its distribution has spread so rapidly that little is known of the extent of fruit susceptibility, particularly in boreal regions. Populations of D. suzukii increase dramatically in late summer in boreal regions, concurrent with fruiting seasons for commercially and culturally significant fruits and berries. We tested fruit preference and susceptibility of lingonberry, blueberry, chokecherry, sea buckthorn and raspberry fruits to D. suzukii . RESULTS Female D. suzukii attempted to oviposit on all fruit types tested. Fruits with lower brix and lower pH levels were preferred in choice tests. Undamaged lingonberries were relatively safe from infestation; however, bruised or frost‐damaged fruits were easily penetrated. Sea buckthorn and raspberry fruits were highly preferred. CONCLUSION Although blueberry growers have experienced severe economic crop losses due to D. suzukii , we have found that blueberries were the least preferred of the fruits tested. This suggests that D. suzukii are largely opportunistic and highlights the importance of fruit phenology in fruit susceptibility. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry