The Drosophila suzukii, known as the “spotted wing vinegar fly”, is one of the most aggressive pests affecting soft-fruit crops such as blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and cherries. Unlike other fruit fly species, this pest attacks healthy, ripe fruit, which causes significant economic losses and affects the quality of the final product.
In this context, the DROSOSAN® trap, together with the specific attractant Pherosan Drosophila®, has positioned itself as an effective, selective and environmentally friendly tool. Below, we explore how this solution can transform the management of this pest and contribute to more sustainable agriculture.
Drosophila suzukii is native to Southeast Asia, but over the last decade it has spread rapidly to Europe and America, becoming a global concern. Its ability to pierce the skin of healthy fruit with its serrated ovipositor (in the case of females) allows it to lay its eggs directly in the fruit, causing:
Appearance of soft spots and blemishes on the fruit.
The larvae develop inside the fruit, accelerating its decomposition and making it unsellable.
Especially critical in crops such as berries, where quality and appearance are essential for the market.
Faced with this challenge, DROSOSAN® has been specifically designed to combat Drosophila suzukii efficiently and sustainably.
Specific attraction:
The trap uses the attractant Pherosan Drosophila®, formulated to attract exclusively Drosophila suzukii, avoiding the capture of non-target insects such as bees or pollinators.
Selective capture:
Its advanced design ensures that only this species is trapped, reducing the impact on other beneficial species.
Easy installation and maintenance:
Adaptable to various conditions and crop scales, DROSOSAN® is a practical solution that can be implemented both on small farms and on large expanses of berries and fruit trees.
Effective control:
Its high capture rate enables a significant reduction in the Drosophila suzukii population, protecting crop quality and yield.
Respect for the environment:
By not using chemical insecticides, DROSOSAN® minimises environmental impact and preserves biodiversity in crops.
Protection of beneficial insects:
The selectivity of the system ensures that key species such as bees, essential for pollination, are not affected.
Adaptability:
DROSOSAN® can be used in different types of crops and adjusted to the specific needs of each farmer.
Modern agriculture faces the challenge of producing high-quality food while protecting the natural environment. Solutions such as DROSOSAN® fit perfectly into this vision, as they not only offer immediate results against pests but also promote sustainable agricultural practices.
The use of non-chemical traps aligns with the demands of increasingly conscious consumers who seek products grown with responsible, environmentally friendly methods. This makes DROSOSAN® an investment not only for pest management but also for positioning farmers in more demanding markets.
In berries and soft-fruit crops where DROSOSAN® has been implemented, the results have been clear:
In heavily infested areas, Drosophila suzukii populations have decreased by more than 70% after a season of intensive use.
With less visible damage and fewer larvae present, the fruits reach optimal quality standards for export.
By reducing or eliminating the use of chemical insecticides, the health of the local ecosystem and of agricultural workers is protected.
To maximise the benefits of this technology, we recommend:
Install the traps at the start of the Drosophila suzukii activity season, before populations reach critical levels.
Place the traps at key points in the crop, such as perimeters, shaded areas and zones with the highest fruit density.
Check the traps regularly to measure the pest population and adjust the strategy as needed.
Complement the use of DROSOSAN® with practices such as pruning and proper management of crop waste to eliminate pest refuges.
Drosophila suzukii is a constant challenge for producers of berries and other soft-skinned fruits, but tools like DROSOSAN® offer a practical, sustainable and highly effective solution. With its selective, environmentally friendly approach, this trap represents the future of pest management in modern agriculture.
Investing in technology such as DROSOSAN® not only protects your crops, it also strengthens your commitment to sustainability and quality, two values increasingly demanded by consumers and international markets.