Disrupting fruit-damaging behavior of spotted-wing drosophila (Diptera: Drosophilidae) in blueberry with volatile blends

The spotted-wing drosophila (Drososphila suzukii), a globally invasive dipteran pest, causes substantial economic losses to soft-skinned fruits such as blueberries due to its serrated ovipositor, which enables it to lay eggs in ripening fruit. Current management strategies rely heavily on repeated insecticide applications, raising concerns over resistance development, non-target effects, and regulatory restrictions. To support sustainable pest management, we evaluated the efficacy of attractive volatile blends, including a cellulose-based blend (CB), in reducing oviposition behavior and subsequent fruit damage. We investigated five volatile blends (CB at different concentrations, Combi-protec, Decoy, Scentry experimental blend, and Droski drink), with water control.
Drosophila activity monitor (DAM) tests measured dwell time, and electroantennography (EAG) assessed antennal responses to the 2 mM CB. Laboratory and field oviposition trials evaluated oviposition and dwelling behavior disruption with five volatile blends. DAM tests showed females exposed to Decoy, Combi-protec, and 5 mM CB showed significantly higher dwell time, suggesting arrestment. EAG confirmed strong antennal responses to CB. In 24-hour laboratory trials, CB and Decoy reduced their oviposition by over 50% compared to water and attracted more flies to the treatment source. Field trials employed in August 2024 further confirmed reduced oviposition on blueberries with CB, Decoy, and Combi-protec.
Our results showed that plant-derived volatile blends can effectively alter D. suzukii behavior and reduce fruit damage. These volatile blends, including the CB, could be integrated into attract and kill or push-pull IPM strategies to reduce the insecticide reliance and improve crop protection.