A, at first glance, healthy cherry or raspberry that has already been affected inside—that's exactly what makes the presence of Drosophila suzukii so insidious. This invasive fruit fly lays its eggs in ripening fruit, after which the larvae develop in the flesh. The result: loss of quality and rejection of the harvest, often only visible when it is too late. In practice, this means a direct impact on revenue and market value.
Drosophila suzukii, also known as the spotted wing drosophila, is a fruit fly native to Asia. Unlike many other fruit flies, this species does not opt for overripe or damaged fruit, but rather for healthy, ripening fruit. Thanks to a saw-shaped ovipositor, the female can damage the skin of the fruit and deposit eggs.
The development from egg to adult fly is rapid, especially at moderate temperatures. This can result in multiple generations per season, which can significantly increase the pressure in crops.
Drosophila suzukii occurs in various soft fruit and stone fruit crops, including:
In addition, other soft fruits and some ornamental plants with berries are also affected. In total, the species can develop on dozens of plant species, which increases the spread of the fruit fly.
Infestation is often visible when:
Because the eggs are not visible at first, damage often occurs unexpectedly. Monitoring and prevention therefore play an important role in the cultivation strategy.
Chemical crop protection can be part of an approach, but it is under increasing pressure from laws and regulations. Availability and application are increasingly limited. This stimulates the development and application of alternative, sustainable measures in cultivation.
In addition to cultivation measures and physical barriers, there is plenty of research into biological solutions. Wageningen University & Research is working to deploy specialized parasitic wasps that focus on Drosophila suzukii.
In 2025, Asian parasitic wasps (such as Ganaspis kimorum) were released in the Netherlands under controlled conditions. This species lays its eggs in the larvae of the fruit fly, preventing them from developing further. With these parasitic wasps, the population of the Drosophila Suzukii is reduced.
This development offers a perspective for reducing pest pressure in the longer term. At the same time, studies show that this is not an independent solution and that additional measures in cultivation remain relevant.
Insect netting are increasingly being used as a physical barrier against Drosophila suzukii. By choosing the right mesh size, inlets can be effectively limited without negatively affecting the growing climate.
Within this framework, Howitec offers solutions such as Ornata Air Plus 88102 and Ornata Air Plus 88102 Black. These combine effective insect protection with a high air permeability, so that the climate remains manageable.
Insect netting is used in various systems:
A well-sealed system significantly reduces the risk of getting in. In combination with monitoring and hygiene measures, a robust approach against damage is created.
Drosophila suzukii pressure varies by season and location. Warm and humid conditions accelerate population development. By responding to these circumstances in time and applying preventive measures, the impact remains more manageable.
Drosophila suzukii's approach is constantly evolving. New insights, such as the use of parasitic wasps, show that steps are being taken towards more sustainable control. At the same time, prevention remains an important basis in practice.
By working with solutions such as insect netting and responding to research developments, a strategy is created that meets current and future requirements in fruit growing.
