Optimizing toxicant rates in attract-and-kill systems for sustainable Drosophila suzukii control

Drosophila suzukii, commonly known as Spotted-Wing Drosophila (SWD) (Matsumura, 1931) (Diptera: Drosophilidae), is a globally invasive pest that poses a significant threat to soft-skinned fruit crops such as Northern Highbush Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum). Current management practices rely heavily on calendar-based applications of chemical insecticides, particularly spinosad-based products like Entrust® SC. However, the emergence of insecticide resistance has raised concerns about the long-term viability of these strategies. Attract-and-kill (A&K) technologies offer a promising alternative by combining lures with targeted doses of insecticides to selectively attract and eliminate pests while minimizing impacts on non-target organisms and reducing overall pesticide use. This study models the effective application rate of Entrust® SC within A&K systems for SWD control. Building on previous findings that A&K can achieve equivalent or superior control using only one-tenth the toxicant compared to conventional spray programs, this research aims to determine the minimum effective dose required for pest suppression. Results are expected to support more sustainable and resistance-mitigating approaches to SWD management within integrated pest management (IPM) frameworks.