A new fruit pest, Zaprionus tuberculatus, originally from Africa, has been identified in Santa Catarina, Brazil, by Epagri researchers. This species, already present in other states such as São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Rio Grande do Sul, and Minas Gerais, was discovered during a study aimed at understanding fruit fly species associated with native fruit trees and strawberry cultivation in the Alto Vale do Rio do Peixe region. The initial detection of Z. tuberculatus in Santa Catarina occurred in March 2023, in strawberries, mountain guava, and yellow araçá in Videira, later extending to red araçá, apples, pears, wine grapes, and blackberries.
The presence of Z. tuberculatus poses a significant risk to fruit cultivation due to its generalist nature, threatening both native and exotic fruit species. The interaction with other pests like Zaprionus indianus and Drosophila suzukii could exacerbate infestation and fruit damage. Researcher Janaína Pereira dos Santos emphasizes the importance of monitoring this pest to evaluate its impact and develop management strategies. "For fruit growing, this exotic pest represents a potential risk," she warns, highlighting the need for rural producers to assess its distribution and establish future management programs.
Source: abrafrutas.org
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