Initial tests of Steinernema riobrave against spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii Matsumura (Diptera: Drosophilidae) and comparison to other entomopathogenic nematode species in the laboratory

Drosophila suzukii is a global pest of ripening fruit, and its immature stages developing in fallen fruit are susceptible to entomopathogenic nematodes. In this study, Steinernema riobrave, was as effective as other tested nematodes, killing 80-100% of D. suzukii larvae in sand at 24 and 28 degrees C. Combining Heterorhabditis bacteriophora with S. riobrave did not increase mortality rates compared to using H. bacteriophora alone. All nematode species infected D. suzukii adult cadavers at high rates, but S. riobrave produced the fewest infective juveniles from second-instar cadavers. Steinernema riobrave may be a suitable biological control agent for D. suzukii in warm climates.

Automated summary

The study showed that Steinernema riobrave has a high mortality rate on Drosophila suzukii larvae, making it an effective biocontrol agent, especially in warm climates.