Plant essential oils and potassium metabisulfite as repellents for Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae)

Justin M Renkema,Rebecca H Hallett,Derek Wright,Rose Buitenhuis

doi:10.1038/srep21432

Justin M Renkema, Rebecca H Hallett + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1038/srep21432

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Abstract

Spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii, is a globally invasive pest of soft-skinned fruit. Females oviposit into ripening fruit and larvae cause direct destruction of tissues. As many plant essential oils are permitted food additives, they may provide a safe means of protecting fruit from D. suzukii infestation in both conventional and organic production systems. Twelve oils and potassium metabisulfite (KMS) were screened in the laboratory as repellents for D. suzukii flies. Most essential oils deterred D. suzukii flies from cotton wicks containing attractive raspberry juice. Peppermint oil was particularly effective, preventing almost all flies from contacting treated wicks and remaining 100% repellent for 6 d post-application. Thyme oil was unique because it caused high male mortality and reduced the number of responding flies compared to other oils. KMS was not found to be repellent to D. suzukii, but may have fumigant properties, particularly at high concentrations. Peppermint oil appears to be the best candidate for field testing to determine the effectiveness and feasibility of using essential oils as part of a push-pull management strategy against D. suzukii. This is the first time that essential oils have been evaluated and proven effective in preventing fruit-infesting flies from contacting attractive stimuli.

Highlights

Spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii, is a globally invasive pest of soft-skinned fruit
Natural products, including essential oils, are perceived as posing a lower risk to the environment and humans compared to synthetic compounds[26], safety is dependent on biological properties of and exposure to chemicals that are not always consistent with their origin[27]
Balsam fir, white spruce, ginger, and lavender oils were significantly repellent after 24 h, but approximately 20% of flies settled on wicks treated with these oils

Summary

Introduction

Drosophila suzukii, is a globally invasive pest of soft-skinned fruit. Peppermint oil appears to be the best candidate for field testing to determine the effectiveness and feasibility of using essential oils as part of a push-pull management strategy against D. suzukii This is the first time that essential oils have been evaluated and proven effective in preventing fruit-infesting flies from contacting attractive stimuli. Natural enemies including endemic parasitoids, commercially-available predators, and entomopathogenic nematodes and fungi have been tested against D. suzukii[15,16,17,18,19], but to reduce reliance on insecticides and improve D. suzukii control, these and new tools for management need to be developed It is not yet clear how D. suzukii locate suitable hosts, volatile leaf odors are likely involved[20], but compounds that deter flies from fruit or reduce contact time with fruit may be useful in a management program[21,22]. There is an increased availability of essential oils, as many are registered as flavouring or perfuming agents[24] Essential oils may have potential for use in organic small fruit production systems, as there are currently limited management options for D. suzukii available

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