Susceptibility of different grape varieties to Drosophila suzukii oviposition

Summary

In laboratory no-choice trials, we found significant differences in susceptibility of eleven different grape varieties to oviposition of D. suzukii. However, there was no obvious effect of berry color on oviposition, since varieties with dark berries ranked among the most susceptible varieties (Cabernet Cortis and IRAC 1999), but also provided the three least susceptible varieties (Chambourcin, Prior and Blauburgunder). All varieties with white berries (Solaris, VB 32-7, Seyval Blanc, Johanniter, Prior, Bronner) and one blue variety (VB 91 26 04) ranged in between. Furthermore, sugar content and harvest date had no significant effect on oviposition. We hypothesize that fruit skin firmness affects susceptibility to oviposition of D. suzukii and suggest to evaluate it in future studies. Nevertheless, choosing the right grape variety might prevent fruit damage and economic loss due to D. suzukii.