Brazil: Epagri researchers identify new pest of fruit trees in Santa Catarina

A team coordinated by researcher Janaína Pereira dos Santos, from the Epagri Experimental Station in Caçador, recorded a new insect pest in Santa Catarina, the Zaprionus tuberculatus (Diptera: Drosophilidae). According to Janaína, the presence of Z. tuberculatus in Brazil is worrying, as this species occupies niches similar to those of other drosophilid pests, such as Zaprionus indianus and Drosophila suzukii. The interaction of these species in the same crop can increase the potential for infestation and, consequently, damage to the fruits. “For fruit growing, this exotic pest represents a potential risk, as it is a generalist species that efficiently exploits both native and exotic fruit trees” warns the researcher. The identification took place in 2023 and was reported in an article published in the most recent edition of the magazine Agropecuária Catarinense, a scientific publication by Epagri. The discovery occurred during a study coordinated by Janaína to understand the ...