Effects of sweet alyssum flowers and their volatile compounds on <i>Drosophila suzukii</i> (Matsumura) in the laboratory
Justin M. Renkema, D. Smith
Abstract
Abstract Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) is a major global pest of soft fruit crops. Based on field observations, we tested in the laboratory whether sweet alyssum ( Lobularia maritima (L.)) flower volatiles and their major constituent compounds, acetophenone and benzaldehyde, repelled D. suzukii flies. Volatiles from cut flowers and acetophenone reduced numbers of D. suzukii attracted to raspberries, and acetophenone reduced numbers of larvae in the raspberries. Testing of sweet alyssum plantings or dispensing acetophenone to repel D. suzukii in fields and lower fruit infestation should be conducted.
Topics & Concepts
Drosophila suzukiiBiologyAcetophenoneBotanyDrosophila (subgenus)PEST analysisInfestationHorticultureDrosophilidaeDrosophila melanogasterGeneBiochemistryCatalysisInsect behavior and control techniquesInsect Pest Control StrategiesInsect-Plant Interactions and Control