STUDY ON THE INTERACTION BETWEEN DROSOPHILA SUZUKII AND DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER UNDER CONTROLLED CONDITIONS

This study examines the interaction between two species of drosophila, Drosophila suzukii and Drosophila melanogaster, under laboratory conditions using raspberry fruits as a substrate.Eight 5-liter PET containers were used to observe population evolution over one month. The population dynamics were investigated at a nearly constant temperature of 21°C, and it was found that in all cases, Drosophila melanogaster decimated the Drosophila suzukii population. The insects were temporarily exposed to low temperatures to reduce their activity and facilitate counting.Results suggest strong competition between the two species, negatively impacting D. suzukii, and the 30-day period was sufficient to observe the complete disappearance of this species in the controlled experimental environment.