6533b86efe1ef96bd12cb066

RESEARCH PRODUCT

Biocontrol of drosophila suzukii by two fatty acids

subject

description

International audience; Olfaction is a crucial sense for insects to detect food, seek partners or escape dangers. Volatile molecules are mainly perceived through insects' antenna. Odors bind to specific olfactory receptors located in sensilla. Olfactory sensory neurons then synapse on corresponding specific glomeruli of the antennal lobe, the primary olfaction center. This olfactory information is processed in higher centers to trigger a behavioral response. Understanding how odors can influence insect behavior is fundamental in order to protect cultures from pests. In this work, 2 volatile fatty acids are shown to modify significantly Drosophila suzukii courtship and copulation at increasing concentrations, and even to induce a reversible anesthesia. These 2 acids are non-toxic, and could be used to limit the spread and damages caused by Drosophila suzukii. Their use offers a solution to protect berry crops and cherries in an environmental-friendly manner by providing a non-killing technology suitable to preserve biodiversity. Patent N° EP19306102.