One of the limiting factors of fruit production are pests, some of them with quarantine importance, such as fruit flies. The most important species are the Mediterranean fly (Ceratitis capitata) and the South American fly (Anastrepha fraterculus). Since 2014, Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura), popularly known as the spotted-winged fly, has been added to this list.
Variations in climatic conditions during winter caused the populations of some groups of insects to show erratic behavior, as is the case with this fly. Thanks to the periodic monitoring carried out by specialists from INTA Concordia –Entre Ríos– its presence was observed in some establishments with blueberry crops of early varieties.
The recommended control guidelines include practices such as eliminating food sources, correctly managing the transfer of fruits, cleaning of tools and machinery, avoid abandoned plantations, manage ornamental and wild hosts, monitoring and communication with neighboring producers.
Source: blueberriesconsulting.com
Photo source: Nl.wikipedia.org
