The incidence of cultural practices for managing Drosophila suzukii in raspberry farms: a case study from northwestern Patagonia

Abstract

The spotted wing drosophila (SWD), Drosophila suzukii, is a global pest of soft-skinned fruit. Managing SWD is mainly difficult due to its rapid life cycle, polyphagy and insecticide resistance, which also harms beneficial arthropods. Agroecological Crop Protection offers sustainable alternatives, like frequent harvesting, canopy thinning, and low ground cover. Our study in Northwestern Patagonia, Argentina, evaluated these practices in small-scale raspberry farms. Results showed a significant reduction in SWD larvae in treated farms, though effectiveness varied by area. The study underscores the need for tailored management strategies and suggests combining cultural practices with other tactics for better SWD control.