The effect of temperature on Drosophila suzukii developmental parameters

Drosophila suzukii Matsumura (Diptera: Drosophilidae: Drosophilini), a known global pest of small and stone fruits, was initially detected in the Willamette Valley during late summer 2009.  Originating from Southeast Asia, it was unknown how D. suzukii would respond to the temperature ranges experienced in the Willamette Valley.  Limited research had been conducted on temperature effects on D. suzukii developmental parameters.  A laboratory life table study was conducted on cultured flies using seven temperatures (10, 14, 18, 22, 26, 28, 30 ºC) on blueberries and cherries, important commercial hosts of D. suzukii. Temperature had a significant influence on D. suzukii developmental period, survival and fecundity, with decreasing developmental periods as temperatures increased to 28 ºC. Above 28 ºC, developmental periods increased, indicating that these temperatures approached the developmental extremes for the species.   The results from this experiment will allow for the development of a population prediction model.