Monitoring of population of Drosophila suzukii in berry plantation in Zugdidi, Samegrelo region

Author: Ani Kiria
Keywords: Drosophila suzukii, Spotted wing drosophila, monitoring
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Spotted wing drosophila - Drosophila suzukii is an invasive pest insect that infects healthy, ripe fruit, mainly berry crops (blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, raspberries), and other soft, thin-skinned stone fruit, such as cherries and sour cherries. Only in Europe, this pest has more than 80 host plants, including wild, decorative, and crop plants. The existence of the pest in Georgia was recorded in 2018, although the damage caused is not yet significant. Research was initiated to prevent potential harm caused by this pest insect, to study the range of its expansion, to evaluate the level of damage and the need for intervention. Pest monitoring is of great importance for the effectiveness, persuasiveness, and reliability of the above process. This study aimed to investigate the existence and distribution of spotted wing drosophila in Zugdidi Municipality, for which an effective local monitoring system using pheromone traps was developed. The research aimed to determine presence of SWD in Zugdidi crop systems, evaluate population size and the need for intervention. The investigation has been conducting since May-June 2021 in blueberry plantations in the Samegrelo region, Zugdidi municipality and still continues. The traps were installed on blueberry bushes, under the canopy. Sampling was provided every week. The study confirmed the presence of spotted wing drosophila in the Samegrelo region, although the population on the crop sites is very low and can not cause economic damage. Despite the small number, continued monitoring is essential.