Drosophila suzukii is a polyphagous insect that has been reported in Greece since 2014. It is a new serious pest in a variety of orchard crops (grapes, cherries, strawberries, kiwis, apples, peaches, etc.). This species attacks not only overripe, but also healthy fruits, resulting in direct damage and indirectly to secondary fungal infections.
Control with insecticide sprays is difficult because multiple repeated interventions are required during the growing season. Insecticide applications are harmful to beneficial insects and pollinators. In addition, there is a risk of pesticide residues in the final product because infestation occurs frequently close to the harvest season.
The main aim of the project is to monitor populations of D. suzukii and to apply attract and kill method for pest control using new attractants in grapevine cultivation.
Mass trapping is a sustainable approach that is friendly to the environment, the user and the consumer. Existing and/or modified traps will be used in combination with highly potent attractants coupled with insecticides. The adoption of attract and kill method leads to significantly lower insecticide input, especially near the harvest season. This results in significantly reduced risk of insecticide residues in the final product.
The control of D. suzukii is important for
• protection of production,
• yield increase,
• reduction of production costs,
• achievement of superior quality of the harvested grapes,
• protection of the environment and the consumer.

The project will contribute a) to the sustainability of the farm by addressing an important plant protection problem, b) to ensuring quality production and c) to the integration of innovative methods in viticulture.