Sterile insect release as a biological control method for the spotted wing drosophila: sterilization protocol, competitiveness of irradiated males, and releases in semi-natural conditions

Annabelle Firlej, researcher

Annabelle Firlej

Description

The spotted wing drosophila (SWD), Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) (Diptera: Drosophilidae), a new berry pest, appeared in Québec in 2010. Damage to unprotected fruit can reach nearly 100%. The project consisted of sterilizing the pest in the laboratory and mass releasing it in crops as a biocontrol method.

Objective(s)

  • Evaluate the potential of sterile insects as a new biocontrol method for spotted wing drosophila.
  • Develop a sterilization protocol for D. suzukii
  • Evaluate the competitiveness of D. suzukii males irradiated in the laboratory under semi-natural conditions.

From 2014 to 2017

Project duration

Fruit production

Activity areas

Pest, weed, and disease control

Service

This project will lead to better control of the spotted wing drosophila, the country’s most devastating berry pest, which first appeared in Canada in 2006.

Partners

Innov'Action | Ministère de l'Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l'Alimentation du Québec | Natural Resources Canada | Collège Montmorency | Université de Montréal | International Atomic Energy Agency

Publications

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