Vegetos
(An International Journal of Plant Research & Biotechnology)
Phytosanitary challenges and management of Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae): farmer knowledge and Practices-Insights from berry crop farmers in Northwest Morocco
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Research Articles | Published: 04 November, 2025
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Keywords: Berry crops, Integrated pest management, Farmer’s knowledge, Chemical control, Biocontrol methods
Abstract
Berry cultivation in Morocco’s Gharb and Loukkos areas faces serious problems in maintaining pest and disease control, mainly regarding serious threats to berry production, such as the invasive Drosophila suzukii. The present study aimed to identify the pest and disease management practices adopted by these farmers, consider farmer’s knowledge, perceptions, and practices of D. suzukii control and the impact of such practices on crop productivity. From this survey, it was determined that 52% of the farms were small-scale with a surface area less than 10 hectares and almost 100% of the respondents encountered D. suzukii. More sophisticated monitoring and management practices were less common among farmers. Chemical control using insecticides was the most commonly practiced method, with spinetoram and cyantraniliprole as the preferred active ingredients. In contrast, biocontrol methods were less frequently used, and there was a noted lack of perceived knowledge regarding their efficacy. The results also indicate that the primary diseases affecting berry crops in this study were gray mold, root rot, and powdery mildew. This finding is further supported by multivariate analysis, which shows that the level of education was associated with knowledge and practices concerning pest control among farmers. Overall, the findings from this study suggest that strengthening extension services and providing targeted farmer education could significantly raise awareness of key IPM practices that improve crop productivity and sustainability.
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Author Information
Department of Plant Protection and Environment, Phytopathology Unit, Ecole Nationale d′Agriculture de Meknès, Meknes, Morocco