Overview on DROSKII project: two-year evaluation of the damage potential and control measures of Drosophila suzukii

The transnational approach of the Droskii Project (“Damage potential of Drosophila suzukii and development of risk management and control measures”) was configured in the context of the urgent challenge posed by Drosophila suzukii, the Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD), for the development of alternative IPM and biological control measures. The work-packages were mainly characterized by monitoring activities, testing of susceptibility of different fruit varieties, surveys on grape infestation, refinement of actions for containment and control of D. suzukii. It is to be accounted that the structure of the project and the partners involved allowed the enrichment and improvement of data on spreading of SWD in the European area by large scale monitoring and updating information. By means of deepening the study on the most behaviourally-active volatiles emitted by host fruits for D. suzukii, it was pursued the development of more selective and powerful attractant lures. To determine the real threat posed by SWD to European table and wine grape production, fruit infestation levels and economic damage in different vine growing areas were examined, considering also the susceptibility of the most important grape varieties. Monitoring strategies, applicability and efficacy of environmentally sound methods (physical barriers, mass-trapping) were tested. The occurrence and level of incidence of natural enemies, in particular parasitoids, was evaluated. It can be considered that data acquired in project progress can be adopted in the set-up of protocols, both in IPM and biological strategies, for the enhancement of the activities aiming at the control of D. suzukii