Abstract

Insects exhibit complex symbiotic interactions with microorganisms, which provide an opportunity for developing novel pest management strategies. Closely related to Drosophila melanogaster, which is commonly used as a model to explore insect-microbe interactions, Drosophila suzukii is an important invasive insect pest of fruit crops in the Americas and Europe. We provide an overview of Drosophila-microbe interactions and review current research with D. suzukii. Recent studies revealed yeast and bacterial species associated with D. suzukii flies, fly guts and infested fruit. The ecological importance of these insect-microbe interactions is under investigation. Microbes have a strong impact on insect physiology and D. suzukii responds both positively and aversively to microbial volatiles. We highlight potential pest management strategies that take advantage of D. suzukii-microbe ecology, including improved monitoring as well as management using behavioural manipulation, phagostimulants and biotechnology.

Keywords

Spotted wing drosophila; Yeast; Bacteria; Attractant; Repellent; Behavioural manipulation

Published in

Journal of Pest Science
2016, Volume: 89, number: 3, pages: 621-630
Publisher: SPRINGER HEIDELBERG

SLU Authors

• Becher, Paul

  • Department of Plant Protection Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

Associated SLU-program

Future Agriculture (until Jan 2017)
SLU Plant Protection Network


UKÄ Subject classification

Ecology


Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10340-016-0768-1

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/77320