What was it all about?

Running from 2019 to 2021, this multi-industry investment developed and evaluated control measures against spotted wing drosophila, which are compatible with integrated pest management (IPM) approaches in berry crops. Most importantly, this project has produced a range of resources that will assist the berry industry in preparing for the event of spotted wing drosophila arriving in Australia.

Though not currently in Australia, spotted wing drosophila poses a biosecurity risk for several of the nation’s horticulture industries, including berries. Overall, the work is related to the major spotted wing drosophila initiative facilitated through Improving the biosecurity preparedness of Australian horticulture for the exotic spotted wing drosophila (Drosophila suzukii) (MT17005).

The project team consulted with berry growers in the UK, Denmark and Sweden who have dealt with significant pressure from spotted wing drosophila. These discussions gave the project team an overview of what current control methods, cultural and chemical, may be suitable for Australian berry production so that an IPM approach can be maintained.

Cultural management methods were found to be the most promising approach for controlling spotted wing drosophila. The control options listed in the document below provide the best currently available methods for dealing with spotted wing drosophila and other pests should it arrive in Australia. A costing of the additional measures required to deal with the pest has also been prepared so that the berry industry is aware of what actions may need to be taken in the future.

There was also a sister project to this investment, Exploring IPM-compatible methods for spotted winged drosophila in berry crops (MT18010), which was delivered by Cesar. This component of the work involved desktop research to put an Australian focus on existing spotted wing drosophila research. Communicating information on spotted wing drosophila and likely control measures (IPM-safe and otherwise) to berry growers and advisors was also a key component of the program.

ACT NOW

This project produced several resources to assist the berry industry in preparing for the potential arrival of spotted wing drosophila into Australia. These outputs are all related to the control of spotted wing drosophila within an IPM framework so that control of other key pests is not disrupted. 

• A control plan for implementation if spotted wing drosophila arrives in Australia, including recommendations for insecticides to be registered or permitted for use and costings for dealing with spotted wing drosophila
• Spotted wing drosophila management fact sheet

Industry can also access the spotted wing drosophila extension pack produced under project Improving the biosecurity preparedness of Australian horticulture for the exotic spotted wing drosophila (Drosophila suzukii) (MT17005) which has a range of resources to support the raising of awareness and preparedness for spotted wing drosophila.