The spotted wing drosophila (SWD) is a particularly challenging pest for the berry sector due to its high egg-laying potential and end-of-season population explosion (near harvest time). Insecticides have limited ability to reach the larvae, which are buried in the fruit. In Québec, the battle against SWD generally involves repeated and alternating applications of insecticides that are also toxic to pollinators and, in some cases, pose significant risks to human health and the environment. The release of sterile insects is a promising and environmentally friendly pest control measure that can lessen the deleterious effects of SWD on berry crops. Furthermore, the Québec association for strawberry and raspberry producers (APFFQ) supports the development of this method as a research priority for the strawberry and raspberry sectors.
To follow up on the developmental work begun in 2014, we will
From 2018 to 2021
Project duration
Fruit production
Activity areas
Pest, weed, and disease control
Service
This project will encourage growers to adopt biological control methods and lead to reduced pesticide use.
Research report • Annabelle Firlej, Élisabeth Ménard, Kim Ostiguy, Simon Legault
Firlej, A., Ménard, E., Ostiguy, K., Legault, S., Fortier, A-M. et Thireau, C.. 2023. . DownloadThe project consisted of sterilizing spotted wing drosophilas in the laboratory and mass releasing it in crops as a biocontrol method.
Researcher: Annabelle Firlej
This project assesse the influence of biotic and abiotic factors on the efficacy of spring flooding to developp a strategy of control for the blackheaded fireworm
Researcher: Daniel Cormier
In highbush blueberry fields where stunt disease has been detected, plants that have never received nitrogen fertilizer are more vigorous and homogeneous than plants that have received nitrogen fertilizer.
Researchers: Carl Boivin Christine Landry