Scientists from the University of Salamanca (USAL) are investigating possible biological solutions against the invasive fly of red fruit crops 'Drosophila suzukii', from Japan and "widely spread."

This insect was located for the first time in Spain in 2008, specifically in the area of ​​Catalonia, and "in subsequent years" scientists verified that this prolific dipteran, "with short life cycles and very rapid reproduction," already had " "wide distribution in the Iberian Peninsula with devastating effects on agriculture."

In this context, the University of Salamanca has opened the doors these days, February 1 and 2, to the kick-off meeting of the project 'Biological control of Drosophila suzukii using plants as volatile biofactories' (GreenSuzukii), which involves scientists from the Institute for Agrifood Research and Technology (IRTA), the Agricultural Genomics Research Center (CRAG) and the University of Salamanca (USAL).

The initiative is promoted by the Unit of Excellence for Agricultural Production and Environment 'Agrienvironment' of the Agrobiotechnology Research Institute (CIALE) of USAL with the aim of "finding new solutions to the threat posed by the spotted wing fly Drosophila suzukii , an insect of Asian origin that causes serious damage to red fruits such as cherries, strawberries, raspberries or blueberries," the researchers explained through the USAL Communication service, in an information sent to Europa Press.

Biologic control

Until now, as detailed, pest control of Drosophila suzukii is based on the use of broad-spectrum insecticides. However, this way of combating pests "goes against the environmental policies promoted by the European Union, which favor the progressive reduction in the use of pesticides."

«Although other solutions have been tried, such as covering plantations, they are never one hundred percent effective, so it is urgent to find new approaches, they have indicated in the same documentation provided.

The new GreenSuzukii project is coordinated by IRTA and has obtained funding from the State Research Agency, through the call for 'Projects Oriented to the Ecological Transition and the Digital Transition', with Next Generation EU funds, "becoming, in addition, "in an exceptional case by including three different entities."

Thus, the research consortium intends to study the possibility of controlling the invasive fly by biological methods, through volatile compounds and aromas generated by other plants. To this end, the initiative includes three subprojects related to the capacities of each of the research centers that will be developed over the next two years.