On the overwintering ability of Drosophila suzukii in South Tyrol

BACKGROUND: Drosophila suzukii became one of the most dangerous pests in fruit crops and vineyards in Europe since 2009. Lacking knowledge of the overwintering biology under European environmental conditions makes an environmentally friendly control of this invasive pest difficult. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate its hibernation capability under the climatic conditions of South Tyrol, Italy. METHODS: Monitoring flight activity by baited traps revealed an overwintering location in the Adige valley. We determined the reproductive status of females trapped weekly at "Schlossleiten" from August 2012 until September 2013 by dissecting their abdomens. For further potential correlation between overwintering locations, reproductive status, and climatic conditions were assessed.