The effects of non-crop habitat on spotted wing drosophila (Drosophila suzukii) abundance in fruit systems: A meta-analysis

Drosophila suzukii (SWD) poses a threat to soft and stone fruit globally. SWD inhabits non-crop areas adjacent to farms from where it moves into crops to cause damage. Effective IPM control strategies, considering both the crop and non-crop area, are needed to control this economically important pest. We conducted a meta-analysis to quantify the impacts of different non-crop habitats around fruit farms on SWD populations, comparing abundance of SWD trapped in crop and non-crop habitats. Overall, SWD abundance was greater in non-crop habitats than in cropped areas and this difference was greatest in farms adjacent to woodland, or field margins containing known SWD host plants. The difference in SWD abundance between crop and non-crop habitats was not affected by crop type but was greatest in the winter months and in conventional compared to organic farms, indicating conventional approaches can reduce relative SWD abundance. Drosophila suzukii overwinter in non-crop habitats which provide refuge outside the cropping season. However, certain habitats support greater relative abundance of SWD than others and this is also affected by farm management. We discuss what these findings mean for effective control of SWD.

Automated summary

Drosophila suzukii (SWD) poses a threat to fruit crops worldwide. Non-crop habitats, particularly woodland and field margins with host plants, have a greater impact on SWD population than cropped areas. The difference in SWD abundance between crop and non-crop habitats is influenced by winter months and conventional farming methods.