Fondazione Edmund Mach - Research and Innovation Centre

(AdPi) The SWAT3 project, conducted at the Edmund Mach Foundation, focuses on classical biological control, a sustainable approach to managing two invasive insect pests: the Asian brown marmorated stink bug and the spotted wing drosophila.

Key activities of the FEM:

• Mass rearing of the Asian brown marmorated stink bug and multiplication of its parasitoid, Trissolcus japonicus.
• Mass rearing of the spotted wing drosophila and multiplication of its parasitoid, Ganaspis brasiliensis.
• Release of exotic natural enemies of the Asian brown marmorated stink bug and the spotted wing drosophila into the environment.
• Territorial monitoring of the presence and impact of the Asian brown marmorated stink bug, the spotted wing drosophila, and their exotic and indigenous antagonists.

Importance:

• The Asian brown marmorated stink bug and the spotted wing drosophila are invasive species that cause significant damage to many crops, threatening agricultural production.
• Biological control offers a more sustainable alternative to the use of chemical pesticides, reducing environmental impact and protecting biodiversity.

In summary, the SWAT3 project represents an important step towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly agriculture, using nature to control pests.