The effects of non‐crop habitat on spotted wing drosophila (Drosophila suzukii) abundance in fruit systems: A meta‐analysis. (30th July 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Buck, Nicolas; Fountain, Michelle T.; Potts, Simon G.; Bishop, Jacob; Garratt, Michael P. D.
• Is Part Of: Agricultural and forest entomology. Volume 25:Number 1(2023)
• Page Start: 66
• Page End: 76
• Publication Date: 2022-07-30
• Subjects: grapes -- host potential -- integrated pest management -- land management recommendations -- overwinter -- refugia -- season -- spotted wing drosophila; Insect pests -- Control -- Periodicals; Agricultural pests -- Control -- Periodicals; Forest insects -- Control -- Periodicals; 632.7
• DOI: 10.1111/afe.12531
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1461-9555

Abstract

Abstract: Drosophila suzukii (SWD) poses a threat to soft and stone fruit globally. SWD inhabits non‐crop areas adjacent to farms from where it moves into crops to cause damage. Effective IPM control strategies, considering both the crop and non‐crop area, are needed to control this economically important pest. We conducted a meta‐analysis to quantify the impacts of different non‐crop habitats around fruit farms on SWD populations, comparing abundance of SWD trapped in crop and non‐crop habitats. Overall, SWD abundance was greater in non‐crop habitats than in cropped areas and this difference was greatest in farms adjacent to woodland, or field margins containing known SWD host plants. The difference in SWD abundance between crop and non‐crop habitats was not affected by crop type but was greatest in the winter months and in conventional compared to organic farms, indicating conventional approaches can reduce relative SWD abundance. Drosophila suzukii overwinter in non‐crop habitats which provide refuge outside the cropping season. However, certain habitats support greater relative abundance of SWD than others and this is also affected by farm management. We discuss what these findings mean for effective control of SWD. Abstract : SWD showed greater abundance in non‐cropped habitats than cropped areas. This difference was greatest in woodland and field margins that produce host food for SWD. This difference was not affected by neighbouring crop type but was affected by conventional management of the crop and was greatest in the winter period. Control methods such as mass trapping, mesh netting and sterile insect technique are suggested as measures that may help reduce the risk of SWD damage in fruit systems.