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Angeli's Lab Members





Andrea Giovannini
Bachelor student (Mar. 2019 - )
Andrea.Giovannini@natec.unibz.it




Title "Influence of single-row insect netting on cherry quality parameters and spotted wing Drosophila behaviour"

Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) (Order: Diptera, Family: Drosophilidae) is a fly originated in Japan, Korea and China, and since several years has become a stable exotic species in the USA and Europe. In South Tyrol is present since 2010, and it has caused relevant economic damages to growers of berries and stone fruits. This fly is unique in its genus Drosophila, because it is mostly attracted by fresh fleshy fruits, rather than matured ones. This peculiarity is crucial because chemical treatments are not allowed shortly before harvest time. In fact, new IPM techniques have been developing, such as the use of exclusion nets against this pest. This research aims to find out the impact of single-row exclusion nets on the agricultural properties of cherry (variety: Regina) and the Drosophila behaviour. The net will be of two colours, white and black, and the comparison between them will be done by means of qualitative measures of the fruits and environmental measures of the orchard. What it is expected is to find differences between the black and white exclusion nets, in terms of fruit qualitative parameters and pest density. Most important, to prove that this solution is an effective way to control this pest and it has no economical relevant consequences on the productivity aspect. This thesis project is done in collaboration with Dr. Martina Falagiarda, Unit of Entomology of Laimburg Research Centre.

Last updated 22.3.2019