Research and Innovation Boréal (RIB) has received US$112,000 (CAD$149,962) through the Ontario Agri-Food Research Initiative (OAFRI) to support work on managing spotted wing drosophila (Drosophila suzukii), an invasive fruit fly affecting a wide range of temperate fruit crops. The project will run over two years and focuses on mitigation strategies for growers in Northeastern Ontario.
The research is led by Morel Kotomale, associate researcher in agricultural research, and Jean Pierre Kapongo, professor in Collège Boréal's agriculture programs. Their team is developing an integrated approach combining monitoring, reduced spraying frequency, and biological control options. The insect affects crops such as cherries, blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries, and is associated with crop losses ranging from 20 per cent to 100 per cent, amounting to more than US$5 million (CAD$6.8 million) annually.
© Collège Boréal
Three Northern Ontario farms are participating: Leisure Farms, Ferme Beaulieu Farm, and Aidie Creek Gardens. The project aims to adapt management practices for local growing conditions while evaluating tools suited to smaller-scale and diversified fruit production systems common in the region.
Spotted wing drosophila was first detected in British Columbia in 2009 and spread to most Canadian fruit-growing regions by 2010. Its rapid reproductive cycle and ability to infest healthy, ripening fruit present ongoing challenges for integrated pest management programs.
OAFRI funding is provided through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a five-year program supported by federal, provincial, and territorial governments.
For more information:
Collège Boréal
Tel: +1 800 361 6673
Email: [email protected]
www.collegeboreal.ca
