"Study and monitoring of the population of Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD) (drosophila suzukii) in cherry and strawberry orchards"

Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD) - Drosophila suzukii is an invasive fruit fly that was discovered in Japan in 1916 and appeared in Europe in 2009. In Georgia it was first observed in 2018. The main hosts of this pest are berry plants, as well as cherries and sour cherries. The female may also lay eggs inside of peaches, apricots, plums and caraway. The aim of the presented study is detection and monitoring of SWD in cherry and strawberry orchards in order to rapidly record pest’s appearance and prevent spreading into other regions of the country. The research was initiated in May 2021 and will continue until the end of October of the same year. As part of the research, PHEROCON SVD traps manufactured by Trécé were installed in fruit orchards of Gori and Kareli regions, which attract target insects using specific pheromones. The traps were installed at 4 different locations. Three of these are cherry orchard, while one location represents strawberry field. 5 traps were installed at each location, with a minimum distance of 50 meters from each other. Traps are monitored on a weekly basis. In addition, fruits were inspected at all locations to find out presence of any larval stages within. At this stage of investigation Drosophila suzukii was not registered in either traps or fruit. We found local drosophilids such as Drosophila melanogaster and D. sp., as well as various dipterans, hymenopterans and beetles. Therefore, we can conclude that spotted winged drosophila has not spread in Gori and Kareli regions up to date, but as mentioned, the study will continue until October and we are waiting for more information.