Suzuki Fruit Fly threatens Netherlands

The Asian fruit fly Drosophila suzukii that damaged crops in North America and southern Europe, now threatens Dutch orchards. The expectation is that the fruit fly may also cause harm in the Netherlands, writes Dijksma, State Secretary of Agriculture, in response to questions from the House.Dijksma expects the suzukii fruit fly to continue to spread in the Netherlands. Especially berries, raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries are attractive to the fruit fly.Fruit Growers requested an exemption in March for use of the pesticide Spinosad, which may only be used in emergency situations. It wasn't until late August the much sought after exemption was finally approved. The Dutch Fruit Growers Organization believes the procedure took too long. If a sector encounters a problem, you want to respond immediately. D_suzukii_female1
Martin Hauser Phycus
Wikimedia commons The exemption expires in October this year. LTO Nederland (agriculture and horticulture organization Netherlands) is pleased the growers can at least make a start in addressing the problem. It remains to be seen how things will develop next year. Last year the fruit fly was encountered for the first time during an ongoing investigation of the Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority. The Asian fruit fly may have survived the winter and exponentially multiplied due to the beautiful summer weather. The growers will further investigate this winter. The Liberal Party (VVD) in the House asked for clarification after growers sounded the alarm about the lengthy procedures.