Drosophila suzuki harms various types of fruits. In Ukraine, the pest has not yet been detected, but there is a high probability of its occurrence.

It is reported by the Main Directorate of State Food and Beverage Service in the Kherson region. “The fruit fly of Drosophila Suzuki is a new pest that leads to losses of 40-50% of the crop.

There is currently no effective means to combat it. Previously, an insect damaged plantations in western Europe, and now has spread throughout its central and eastern parts. Drosophila Suzuki was also identified in Poland, which puts Ukrainian berry plants at risk. Producers of berry products in Ukraine should be ready for a new threat, ”the report said.

Adult individuals of Drosophila Suzuki are able to cover a distance of 4 km per day, their life span is 20-30 days. During this time, the female is able to lay up to 350 eggs (from 1 to 3 pcs. In one berry) and thus damage from 115 to 350 berries. And this is only one adult female.

Suzuki Drosophila fruit fly

The pest damages many berry and fruit crops: blackberries, raspberries, red and black currants, strawberries (strawberries), blueberries, cherries, apricots, plums, nectarines and dessert grapes. Drosophila tastes slightly less: apple trees, peaches, gooseberries, pears, tomatoes and technical grape varieties.

The fight against Drosophila Suzuki includes all sorts of traps and containers with adhesive tape inside, which are filled with different fragrant components. As odorous substances use apple cider vinegar or a mixture of apple cider vinegar, water and red wine.

The best effect is given by a mixture of water with sugar and a small pinch of yeast. Solutions based on vinegar and red wine can work up to 7 days, and a solution with the addition of yeast only 3 days.

In no case should you leave damaged berries on bushes, trees or under them, because this is an ideal place for laying eggs of Drosophila Suzuki and the development of its offspring.