Effect of non-nutritive sugars to decrease the survivorship of spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii

Area of Science:

• Entomology
• Insect Physiology
• Pest Management

Background:

• Spotted wing drosophila (Drosophila suzukii) is a significant agricultural pest.
• Effective control strategies for Drosophila suzukii are needed.
• Non-nutritive sugars and sugar alcohols are potential candidates for novel pest control agents.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the insecticidal effects of non-nutritive sugars and sugar alcohols on Drosophila suzukii survivorship.
• To determine the dose-dependent mortality caused by erythritol and erythrose.
• To explore the potential mechanisms of action for these compounds.

Main Methods:

• Drosophila suzukii survivorship assays with varying concentrations of erythritol and erythrose.
• Feeding choice assays comparing erythritol, sucrose, and water.
• Measurement of total sugar and glycogen levels in treated flies.

Main Results:

• Erythritol and erythrose significantly reduced Drosophila suzukii longevity in a dose-dependent manner, causing 100% mortality at higher concentrations.
• Combined feeding of sucrose and erythritol enhanced mortality.
• Flies ingested more erythritol than sucrose or water in no-choice assays, but less in choice assays.
• Erythritol and erythrose were not metabolized, leading to starvation or osmotic stress.

Conclusions:

• Erythritol and erythrose exhibit insecticidal properties against Drosophila suzukii.
• These non-nutritive sugars represent a potential new class of insecticides.
• Further research could explore combining erythritol with other insecticides or palatable sugars to improve efficacy.