Bacillus thuringiensis serovar. israelensis has no effect on Drosophila suzukii Matsumura

The spotted wing drosophila (SWD), Drosophila suzukii, is an invasive species to the USA, and Europe and biological control methods are urgently sought for. In this study, the potential of commercial microbial control products based on the Dipteran-specific B. thuringiensis serovar. israelensis (B.t.i.) were evaluated in laboratory experiments. These products were tested on SWD larvae and adults but neither one showed more than 10% mortality. A repellent effect of the products to SWD adults was also ruled out. We conclude that B.t.i. products are not suitable for SWD control.