First occurrence of Drosophila suzukii in the Sauternes vineyards

Abstract

Aim: The present work reports the detection of a new fruit fly species in Sauternes vineyards (Aquitaine region, France): Drosophila suzukii.

Methods and results: Drosophila were collected in two Sauternes vineyards, at the beginning of the harvest time in 2011, using food traps with apple molasses baits. The surveys led to the detection of the invasive species D. suzukii. In addition, rotting bunches were randomly taken in each vineyard but no D. suzukii emerged from them. The Drosophila community found in traps and on bunches was dominated by D.melanogaster.

Conclusion: D. suzukii, although present in the vineyard agroecosystem of Sauternes, did not cause any noticeable damage in 2011. However, population monitoring should be continued.

Significance and impact of the study: This first occurrence report of the invasive species D. suzukii in the Bordeaux vineyard should motivate further surveys of this potential pest of green berries.