Drosophila suzukii, A New Invasive Pest of Stone Fruit and Grapes in British Columbia

Spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii is an invasive pest from Asia that was first detected in the interior of British Columbia in September 2009. A summary of the results of monitoring of adult populations with apple cider vinegar-baited traps in ca. 340 locations in 2010 is presented. A combined industry-government response including provision of diagnostic tools, emergency use registrations for four insecticides, and an extensive communications effort with factsheets, warning posters, talks to growers, weekly updates, and visits to fruit stands is discussed. A summary of reported damage to crops, challenges experienced in crop protection and sanitation, and some thoughts for the future is presented.