An integrated approach to achieve environmentally sustainable control of the new emerging pest Drosophila suzukii in cherry orchards of Emilia Romagna

An integrated approach is presented in this study for achieving environmentally sustainable control of Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD), Drosophila suzukii, in cherry orchards of the Emilia-Romagna region. Analysis was conducted on the response of SWD based on a variety of control strategies and techniques in laboratory and field conditions. The mechanical control considered the use of net covers to avoid pest infestation. Field monitoring was performed to investigate SWD flight patterns and infestations. The biological control of the pest considered the use of native natural enemies predators and parasitoids). Entomo-pathogenic microorganisms were also investigated in the context of microbiological control. The aim is to enhance SWD self-infection using a ‘catch and release’ traps, which attract the adults by means of appropriate chemical and physical stimuli, exposing them to entomo-pathogenic microorganisms. Finally, toxicological (LC50 and LC90) and enzymatic bioassays were performed using different insecticides on different populations to assess SWD resistance. The results of the study will be useful for a better control of this invasive insect following integrated pest management and protecting native beneficial insects.