Determination of drosophilidae species, population development and infestation rates of some species in strawberry and cherry orchards of derbent (Konya) district

This study was conducted in strawberry and cherry orchards in Derbent district of Konya province during 2023 and 2024 years, aiming to determine the presence of Drosophilidae species, the population dynamics of certain key species (particularly the highly abundant Drosophila subobscura Collin, 1936 and the economically significant Drosophila suzukii (Matsumara, 1931), and their infestation rates in fruits. The research was carried out in selected strawberry and cherry orchards across three different neighborhoods (Güney, Camikebir, Hacıahmet), with continuous trapping and sampling activities from April to October each year. Specifically, four distinct strawberry orchards were investigated in both years, while three cherry orchards were studied in 2023 and four in 2024. At the end of the study, six species belonging to the Drosophilidae family were identified. These are; D. subobscura; D. suzukii; D. busckii (Coquillett, 1901); D. hydei Sturtevant 1921; Hirtodrosophila cameraria (Haliday, 1833); and Zaprionus indianus (Gupta,1970). In cherry orchards, a total of 6472 individuals were detected in the traps in 2023 and 1378 inviduals in 2024. In strawberry orchards, the corresponding numbers were 3493 and 282 inviduals, respectively. D. subobscura emerged as the most abundant species, with a total of 9047 individuals. Drosophila suzukii, an economically important fruit pest, ranked second with 1413 individuals. Analysis of fruit infestation rate revealed a significant reduction in strawberries, from 55% in 2023 to 3% in 2024. Similarly, in cherries, the infestation rate decreased from 46% in 2023 to 4% in 2024. Population density was observed to reach its peak during the harvest period in July, coinciding with rising temperatures and accelerated fruit ripening. The continued presence of adult individuals in traps even after harvest indicated a prolonged population presence. These findings underscore the critical importance of removing damaged fruits from the field and implementing effective harvest time management strategies in controlling Drosophilidae infestations