Enhancing Biological Control of <i>Drosophila suzukii</i>: Efficacy of <i>Trichopria drosophilae</i> Releases and Interactions with a Native Parasitoid, <i>Pachycrepoideus vindemiae</i>
The spotted wing drosophila, <i>Drosophila suzukii</i> is an injurious polyphagous pest threatening worldwide soft fruit production. Its high adaptability to new colonized environments, short life cycle, and wide host range are supporting its rapid spread. The most common techniques to r...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Insects |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4450/16/7/715 |
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| Summary: | The spotted wing drosophila, <i>Drosophila suzukii</i> is an injurious polyphagous pest threatening worldwide soft fruit production. Its high adaptability to new colonized environments, short life cycle, and wide host range are supporting its rapid spread. The most common techniques to reduce its significant economic damage are based on multiple insecticides applications per season, even prior to the harvest, which reduces agroecosystem biodiversity and affects human and animal health. Environmental concerns and regulatory restrictions on insecticide use are driving the need for studies on alternative biological control strategies. This study aimed to assess the effect of <i>T. drosphilae</i> in controlling <i>D. suzukii</i> infestations and its interaction with <i>P. vindemiae</i>, a secondary parasitoid naturally present in Apulia (South Italy). Field experiments were carried out in organic cherry orchards in Gioia del Colle (Bari, Italy) to test the efficacy and adaptability of <i>T. drosphilae</i> following weekly releases of artificially reared individuals. Additionally, the interaction between <i>P. vindemiae</i> and <i>T. drosphilae</i> was studied under laboratory conditions. Results from field experiments showed that <i>D. suzukii</i> populations were significantly lower when both parasitoids were present. However, <i>T. drosophilae</i> was less prone to adaptation, so its presence and parasitism were limited to the post-release period. Laboratory experiments, instead, confirmed the high reduction of <i>D. suzukii</i> populations when both parasitoids are present. However, the co-existence of the two parasitoids resulted in a reduced parasitism rate and offspring production, notably for <i>T. drosophilae</i>. This competitive disadvantage may explain its poor establishment in field conditions. These findings suggest that the field release of the two natural enemies should be carried out with reference to their natural population abundance to not generate competition effects. |
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| ISSN: | 2075-4450 |