Rearing the spotted wing drosophila parasitoids Ganaspis kimoroum and Leptopolina japonica on an artificial diet

The invasive spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii, is a major economic pest of soft skinned fruits in the United States. Management for this pest largely consists of regular insecticide applications while developing fruit are susceptible to attack. Classical biological control through the rearing and release of the federally approved parasitoid Ganaspis kimoroum (Gk) and the adventive Leptopolina japonica (Lj) may provide a sustainable solution for reducing this pest in the environment. However, there are challenges in mass rearing these parasitoids that need to be overcome in order to make these wasps a viable tool for all fruit growers impacted by this pest. This presentation will provide an overview of the current challenges faced rearing Gk and Lj utilizing current rearing protocols, and the possibility of using an easier artificial diet.