Insect proof netting is being tested to see if it can protect against Drosophila suzukii fly attacks. The first results show that they could be interesting for protecting sheltered strawberries.
One month early compared to last year and the Drosophila suzukii fly is already present in tunnel grown strawberries since mid June, and even early May in the Alpes-Maritimes. This prematurity is due to the mild winter and warm spring which favoured the fly’s development - which is the strawberry, cherry and raspberries number 1 pest.
For strawberries, the strategies to fight the fly rely on prophylaxis, early detection and chemicals, which are not very effective and incompatible with surrounding fauna and the organic sector, which they would like to develop. They are currently working on fighting the fly organically with parasitoid insects and anti-insect nets. The net solution has been evaluated over 3 years by Invenio within the Casdar programme (since 2013).