First record of the agricultural pest <i>Drosophila suzukii</i> (Matsumura, 1931) (Diptera: Drosophilidae) in Algeria

Abstract

Abstract The spotted wing drosophila Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura, 1931) could potentially become a serious invasive pest of fruit crops in the North of Africa in the coming years, leading to substantial economic losses. This pest is reported for the first time in Algeria. It was detected in M'sila in the north‐east of the country within an pomegranate agroecosystem near the salt lake Chott Zahrez Echergui. Trapping was conducted from 21 March 2018 to 23 January 2019 in two orchards. The prevalence (flies/trap/day) and population dynamics of D. suzukii and two other fruit flies ( Zaprionus indianus and D. melanogaster ) trapped in the same orchards are reported. Low numbers of these three fly species were found in trap samples. At present, the ecological and economic impact of D. suzukii on pomegranate are poorly known in North Africa.