Development of practicable measures to avoid economic damage by the spotted wing drosophilia

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The objective of the project is to develop protective measures against damage caused by the spotted wing drosophilia and to check and improve their practicability. The spotted wing drosophilia possesses a great deal of potential to cause damage. To avoid economic damage, suitable strategies and information systems have to be developed as quickly as possible. The spotted wing drosophilia from Asia has been established in the Lake Constance region since 2011. It has a great deal of potential to cause damage due to its short generation time and a very wide host range. In 2014 in particular, when the spotted wing drosophilia only experienced a small natural reduction in the population due to the previous mild winter, serious damage to orchards was reported in Switzerland as well as in Germany. There were also reports of damage from Austria. There has hitherto not been any uniform and reliable protection against damage caused by the spotted wing drosophilia cross-border. Within the project, possible cross-border regulation options are to be monitored and/or adapted and redeveloped. A particular challenge here is the differing laws in the three countries. For example, the waiting periods for the same active substances frequently differ. Specific experience gained by the project partners in their respective regions are collated and uniform methods are developed based on transnational cooperation. These can be deployed extensively and in a coordinated way after being established. For effective protection against economic damage caused by the spotted wing drosophilia can only be ensured if measures with the same level of effectiveness to combat it are deployed extensively cross-border. In the laboratory and in field trials and semi-field trials, measures are tested to this end, such as netting, mass trapping and the effectiveness of natural baits or insecticides. Monitoring ensures a constant review of the development of the spotted wing drosophilia population in the region. Besides this, monitoring of beneficial insects as well as the calculation of damage thresholds can also be incorporated here. Based on the constant exchange of the current testing status between the project partners at project meetings that are held regularly, the development of a dynamic protection concept adapted to the pest insect is also possible across national borders. All insights from this project are passed on practically via advisory centres (alert services), information systems as well as meetings and information events. This project thereby primarily serves fruit producers and the fruit trade. In addition, consumers also benefit from the results of this project, because they can obtain high-quality products thanks to the methods developed. The reach of this project should be emphasised in particular, which, just like the spotted wing drosophilia, crosses national borders.

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