Plant pests and disease guide

Drosophila suzukii (also known as Spotted Wing Drosophila) is an Asian species of vinegar fly which significantly reduces crop quality and yield by laying eggs directly into healthy ripening fruit still growing on the plant.

D. suzukii was introduced into North America in 2008 and has since spread rapidly to Canada, Mexico, Russia and to a number of European countries  (including Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Switzerland). The first reported finding in the UK was in 2012 in Kent however it has now been found across the UK including Scotland.

Further information

This pest is not regulated in the UK, but is managed by industry.

The pest risk assessment for Drosophila suzukii can be found on the UK Plant Health Portal.

Further information on management and control of the pest, and the Spotted Wing Drosophila Working Group, is available on the ADHB website.