A fly from East Asia is threatening fruit cultivation in Germany. It's the Drosophila suzukii, a fruit fly. The insect was first discovered in the autumn of 2011 and was identified by the plant protection service in Baden-Württemberg and the Julius Kühn institute. Since then a number of flies have been found in Bavaria, Baden-Wuerttemberg and Rhineland-Palatinate.
The species can spread unbelievably fast. In a years time up to 15 generations can be bred. In the autumn there can be millions of offspring from a female that appeared in the spring. The disturbing thing about the fruit fly found in Germany, is that it wasn't found in, for instance a supermarket, but outside, in the forest. This means there is already a population in Germany.
The up to three millimetre large fruit fly lays its eggs in ripening fruits, especially sweet cherries and grapes, which then start to rot. Plums, strawberries, brambles, raspberries and blueberries are also targeted by the fly.
The species can spread unbelievably fast. In a years time up to 15 generations can be bred. In the autumn there can be millions of offspring from a female that appeared in the spring. The disturbing thing about the fruit fly found in Germany, is that it wasn't found in, for instance a supermarket, but outside, in the forest. This means there is already a population in Germany.
The up to three millimetre large fruit fly lays its eggs in ripening fruits, especially sweet cherries and grapes, which then start to rot. Plums, strawberries, brambles, raspberries and blueberries are also targeted by the fly.
A problem with the crop protection is that the fly lays its eggs just before harvest. At that moment it's no longer possible to use crop protection. Because the species produces new generation quickly, there is also the chance of resistance forming. Representatives of the crop protection services want to meet in February in the Julius Kühn institute in Dossenheim (Baden-Württemberg) to discuss possibilities of protection.