PhD Candidate Warsaw University of Life Sciences Warszawa, Mazowieckie, Poland
The aim of the research was to create a method for the production of micro-reservoirs, which will allow for the multiplication and long-term release on the plantation of two species of parasitic Hymenoptera, parasitizing on pupae of Drosophila suzukii, which poses a serious threat to soft-skinned fruits, i.e. blueberries, raspberries and strawberries. As part of the research, innovative traps were prepared for catching wasps on plantations, orchards and areas in the immediate surrounding. By the use of these traps, two species of parasitic hymenopterans were recorded, Pachycrepoideus vindemmiae and Trichopria drosophilae. For the purpose of mass rearing of these parasites’ species, the methodology of multiplication of Drosophila melanogaster and Drosophila hydei, which are hosts of parasitic wasps, was optimized. It was found out that to produce micro-reservoirs, it is enough to let in 20 individuals of D. melanogaster or D. hydei, as a population initiating the development of these flies inside the container. Taking into account the fertility data of parasitic wasps of the species P. vindemmiae and T. drosophilae, it was established that 5 to 15 females of these parasitoids should be introduced into one container containing pupae of flies. Such number of hosts and parasitoids females, initiated development of next generation, allowing to obtain up to 500 individuals of progeny. Progenies emerge from micro-reservoirs for even 4 weeks period.
