The dipteran Drosophila suzukii is a new pest in Europe, detected for the first time in Catalonia in 2010. It is currently present in Andalusia, where blackberry and raspberry plantations are being affected. The insect has the potential to cause severe damage whenever the conditions are favourable for its development.
Monitoring data for the years 2013 and 2014 confirm an increase in the number of trappings in early October, which together with the entry into production of raspberry and blackberry crops could cause significant damage to them, unless effective pest control is carried out.
Currently, the products authorised for use are formulated with cypermethrin 10%, which has a safety period of 7 days, impractical for use in the campaign, because the fruit is harvested every 3 days.
In view of the above, the Directorate General for Health of the Agricultural Production at MAGRAMA has exceptionally authorised the marketing and use of plant protection products formulated with spinosad 48% as insecticides against the Drosophila suzukii in blackberry and raspberry plantations.
The authorization will remain in force from 6 October 2015 until 2 February 2016.
The treatments must be carried out under the supervision of the competent authorities of the autonomous regions.
