A special collection: recent advances in biological control of spotted-wing drosophila

The spotted-wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) (Diptera: Drosophilidae), has become a global invasive pest of soft-skinned fruits over the past decade. Researchers have investigated various biological control agents and their potential applications for D. suzukii management. This special collection summarizes recent advances and highlights major achievements in the biological control of D. suzukii. These include early-stage releases of the introduced Asian larval parasitoid, Ganaspis kimorum Buffington (Hymenoptera: Figitidae), in the United States and Europe; the adventive establishment of another key Asian larval parasitoid, Leptopilina japonica Novković & Kimura (Hymenoptera: Figitidae), in North Amreica and Europe; methods for the cold storage of G. kimorum; effective sampling techniques for assessing the presence, relative abundance, and seasonal phenology of figitid parasitoids; the potential compatibility of other biological control agents (entomopathogens) with parasitoids; and assessment of specific insecticide impacts on common parasitoids. Finally, this special collection concludes with a proposed research, development, and implementation roadmap to improve biological control strategies for D. suzukii.