BioControl (2023) 68, 1-12
Lorenzo Fellin, Alberto Grassi, Simone Puppato, Alberto Saddi, Gianfranco Anfora, Claudio Ioriatti and Marco Valerio Rossi-Stacconi (2023)
First report on classical biological control releases of the larval parasitoid Ganaspis brasiliensis against Drosophila suzukii in northern Italy
BioControl 68 (1), 1-12
Abstract: Current management strategy of the invasive fruit fly Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) (Diptera: Drosophilidae) exploits different tools but relies mainly on chemical control. In the invaded areas, the local natural enemy community mostly consists of generalist pupal parasitoids unable to control the pest efficiently. Conversely, in the pest native area, there are more specialized sympatric larval parasitoids attacking D. suzukii. Following foreign explorations and quarantine risk assessments, the larval endoparasitoid Ganaspis brasiliensis (Ihering) (Hymenoptera: Figitidae) was selected as the best candidate for classical biological control programs. In 2021, the first ever propagative biocontrol program using a Japanese G1 lineage of G. brasiliensis started in Italy. Here we report the results of the first year of releases in the province of Trento (Northeast Italy), wherein G. brasiliensis was released in 12 locations. Pre- and post-release samplings on fresh and fallen fruits were performed around the release points to assess the recapture rate, the impact of the exotic parasitoid on D. suzukii and its potential interactions with local non-target species. After releases, G. brasiliensis was recovered at 50% of the locations. The exotic parasitoid only emerged from D. suzukii, mostly from fresh fruit still on the plant. Post-overwintering monitoring revealed the presence of a four G. brasiliensis individuals at two release locations.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Full text of article
Database assignments for author(s): Claudio Ioriatti
Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
classical biocontrol/new introduction
