Search Results (116)

This study investigates the effects of host plant and geographic origin on wing shape variation in Drosophila suzukii populations from Serbia using geometric morphometrics. A total of 421 left wings, each representing a different adult individual collected across five host plants and multiple localities, were analyzed to assess patterns of phenotypic variation. Principal component analysis revealed substantial overlap among groups, indicating that neither host plant nor geographic origin alone produces distinct morphological clusters. However, canonical variate analysis, deformation grids, and Procrustes distances detected subtle but consistent differences in wing shape. Procrustes ANOVA confirmed significant effects of both host plant and locality, with geographic origin explaining a larger proportion of the variation, and a significant interaction between factors indicating context-dependent morphological responses. Shape changes were primarily concentrated in distal and posterior wing regions, suggesting potential implications for flight performance and dispersal capacity. Our findings indicate that wing shape variation in D. suzukii is associated with host plant and geographic origin, suggesting that multiple ecological factors may contribute to the observed morphological differences. The observed patterns are consistent with the species’ invasion success, reflecting ecological flexibility rather than discrete morphological differentiation. These findings provide a foundation for future studies investigating the mechanisms underlying host- and locality-associated wing shape variation in D. suzukii. Full article

Echinophora sibthorpiana Guss. (Apiaceae) is an aromatic plant of considerable ethnobotanical significance, traditionally employed as a flavouring and preservative agent in food and valued for its medicinal properties across the Eastern Mediterranean region, yet its non-volatile phytochemistry and biosafety profile remain insufficiently characterized. In the present study, the n-butanol fraction of the 80% methanolic extract of the aerial parts of E. sibthorpiana was fractionated using chromatographic methods and the structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated by 1D and 2D-NMR spectroscopy and HR-ESI-MS. The distribution of Echinophora metabolites isolated by our group across six species in Türkiye was assessed by LC-qTOF-MS. Antioxidant capacity was evaluated by CUPRAC, FRAP, and TEAC assays; DNA-protective activity by the pBR322 plasmid model; genotoxic and antigenotoxic potential in the Drosophila melanogaster wing SMART assay. Four secondary metabolites, known as vicenin-2 (1), rutin (2), isoquercitrin (3) and betulalbuside A (4), were isolated and reported from E. sibthorpiana for the first time. Notably, the C-glycoside flavone vicenin-2 and the acyclic monoterpene glucoside betulalbuside A also represent the first isolation of these compounds from the genus Echinophora. LC-qTOF-MS profiling identified widely distributed flavonoid constituents together with more restricted metabolites that may have chemotaxonomic relevance. The n-BuOH fraction and the flavonol glycosides rutin and isoquercitrin exhibited the highest antioxidant and DNA-protective activities. None of the tested samples displayed genotoxic activity, while all showed antigenotoxic effects against ethyl methanesulfonate-induced DNA damage, with total spot frequency inhibition ranging from 47% to 83%. Overall, these findings provide a first comprehensive characterization of the non-volatile phytochemistry and biosafety profile of E. sibthorpiana and support the further investigation of its constituents as safe antioxidant and chemopreventive agents with potential nutraceutical applications. Full article

The spotted-wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura, 1931) (Diptera: Drosophilidae), is an invasive pest causing substantial economic losses in berry production worldwide. Reliable monitoring is essential for effective integrated pest management; however, information on the field performance of locally produced vinegar-based attractants remains limited. This study compared the attractiveness of four vinegar-based attractants (homemade grape vinegar, homemade hawthorn vinegar, homemade apple vinegar, and commercial apple vinegar) for monitoring D. suzukii in blackberry (Rubus spp.) and blueberry (Vaccinium spp.) orchards in southeastern Türkiye during the 2023 and 2024 growing seasons. In addition, the volatile organic compound (VOC) profiles of the attractants were characterized using headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS-SPME/GC–MS). A total of 80,571 adult flies were captured during the study. Significant differences among attractants were detected in all host plant–year combinations (one-way ANOVA, p < 0.001). Generalized linear mixed model analysis further demonstrated significant effects of the host plant, attractant type, sampling week, and year on weekly trap captures (p < 0.05). Homemade grape vinegar consistently produced the highest trap captures, whereas commercial apple vinegar showed the lowest trapping performance. Fourteen volatile compounds belonging mainly to carboxylic acids, alcohols, esters, aldehydes, and monoterpenes were identified, revealing differences in the volatile profiles of the evaluated attractants. Overall, homemade grape vinegar proved to be the most effective vinegar-based attractant under the conditions of this study and represents a practical, low-cost option for monitoring D. suzukii in berry orchards. Further studies incorporating replicated chemical analyses and behavioural bioassays are needed to clarify the contribution of individual volatile compounds to insect attraction. Full article

Ethyl formate (EF) is a promising alternative to methyl bromide for postharvest disinfestation, but berry export chains require efficacy under refrigerated handling without loss of marketable quality. Using spotted-wing drosophila (Drosophila suzukii) in blueberries as a cold-chain model, we compared stage-specific tolerance at 5 to 15 °C and identified 1-day-old eggs as the most tolerant stage, with mortality strongly temperature dependent. Egg-stage concentration to mortality relationships were quantified under 4 h exposures at 5, 10, and 15 °C to nominate temperature-specific intensities within EF flammability safety limits. Candidate schedules (69, 83, and 94 mg·L⁻¹ for 4 h at 5, 10, and 15 °C) were confirmed by verification-scale zero-survivor tests under simulated cold-chain conditions, achieving complete control of the most tolerant egg stage. Post-treatment quality was assessed after 1, 7, and 14 days of cold storage. Weight loss, firmness, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, sucrose, and proanthocyanidins were driven mainly by storage time and temperature. EF effects were limited to transiently elevated respiration early in storage, with no detectable injury, decay, or adverse changes in appearance or other physicochemical attributes. Overall, EF provides a cold-chain compatible processing window integrating efficacy, operational safety, and quality preservation for refrigerated blueberry export logistics. Full article

Spotted wing drosophila (Drosophila suzukii; SWD) has become a globally invasive pest by ovipositing in ripening, intact fruit rather than decaying material, a niche distinct from most other drosophilids. An expanding body of work implicates microbes and microbially derived chemistry as key drivers of this ecology, shaping fly biology across life stages. However, much of this evidence is derived from microbiome surveys and observational comparisons, further constrained by uncontrolled diet history, laboratory rearing, and insufficient ecological context. We examine how the SWD microbiome differs in which taxa are present (composition), how flies pick up those taxa from fruit and maternal sources (acquisition), how long those taxa are retained across life stages (persistence), and how each of these varies with diet, geography, season, and host crops. We then address how microbial cues and fermentation state function as context-dependent drivers of adult attraction, avoidance, and oviposition, and how microbe-mediated interspecific interactions reshape substrate suitability and competition among drosophilids. Throughout, we critically evaluate experimental designs and identify gaps that impede causal inference. These include limited strain-level resolution, incomplete fungal characterization, and weak linkages between microbial community structure and host phenotypes. Key unresolved questions include how SWD maintains performance across diverse hosts, how microbes modulate sensory processing during seasonal shifts, and which microbial metabolites drive attraction, avoidance, and competition. Resolving these questions is a direct prerequisite for field-stable integrated pest management (IPM), including microbially informed behavioral lures, oviposition deterrents derived from pathogen- and competitor-associated volatiles, and competitor-mediated suppression strategies. The experimental priorities identified here translate directly into a roadmap for the next generation of mechanistically grounded, ecologically realistic SWD management tools. Full article

Spotted-wing Drosophila (Drosophila suzukii), an economically important invasive but widely distributed pest, has developed resistance to multiple insecticide classes, threatening its management in commercial soft fruit production. This study evaluated the synergism of piperonyl butoxide (PBO) with zeta-cypermethrin in two field-collected resistant California populations and a susceptible population with bioassays. Female flies from the two resistant populations exhibited 55-fold and 25-fold resistance, respectively, compared to the susceptible population. PBO co-application significantly enhanced insecticide efficacy in both resistant populations, with synergism ratios of 6.51 and 4.06. However, complete susceptibility at label rates of the insecticide was not restored, indicating that other resistance mechanisms may also be present in these populations. PBO–pyrethroid combinations show promise for improving field efficacy against resistant populations, though they should be integrated with insecticide rotation and other integrated pest management tactics for sustainable resistance management. Full article

Common methods for detecting Drosophila suzukii (spotted-wing drosophila, SWD) in fruit, such as microscopy, physical extraction, and incubation, are time-consuming and may underrepresent egg and first instar larvae counts, the smallest life stages of SWD. To address these limitations, we evaluated a quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) protocol to detect and quantify SWD eggs using a linear model of the log-transformed ratio of eggs to sample volume (µL) in Tris buffer and fruit tissue. Compared to traditional approaches, this method reduces identification time from several weeks to approximately five hours. We observed a negative linear correlation between qPCR cycle threshold and egg concentration in both standard and fruit tissue samples, with similar model fits (R² = 0.7215 for field fruit tissue; R² = 0.874 for standard samples). This DNA-based protocol improves infestation detection speed and accuracy by enabling rapid, species-specific identification of D. suzukii in fruit tissue, addressing limitations of morphological identification of eggs and larvae. Further refinement for fruit tissue could enhance real-world applicability. Rapid detection may enable timely assessment of varietal resistance to SWD and support safer control strategies targeting early life stages, helping to prevent pest development and fruit degradation. Full article

In this study, we investigated the current and future potential distribution of three parasitoid species of Drosophila suzukii, which represent promising candidates for the biological control of this pest: Leptopilina japonica (Hymenoptera, Figitidae), Pachycrepoideus vindemmiae (Hymenoptera, Pteromalidae), and Trichopria drosophilae (Hymenoptera, Diapriidae). To this end, we employed Ecological Niche Modeling using the Random Forest algorithm and climatic data from WorldClim v. 2.1 under climate change scenarios (SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5), analyzing the spatial overlap between the pest and its natural enemies. The results indicate that the parasitoids exhibit distinct geographic distributions, although most species show higher suitability for temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Species such as T. drosophilae and L. japonica stand out for their broad distribution and high overlap with the pest, whereas P. vindemmiae and display more restrictive climatic ranges and lower control efficiency. With ongoing climate change, all parasitoids tend to migrate toward higher latitudes, with significant range contractions in tropical regions. Thus, our results demonstrate the usefulness of Ecological Niche Modeling in the selection of biological control agents by considering host-specific preferences and environmental requirements in the development of management strategies adapted to future scenarios. Full article

The biological control of SWD using entomopathogenic viruses offers a sustainable alternative to chemical insecticides; however, viral instability under environmental and digestive conditions limits their application. Here, we present a chitosan–TPP encapsulation system designed to protect and control the release of Drosophila C virus (DCV) and La Jolla virus (LJV). Physicochemical characterization by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and zeta potential measurements confirmed successful encapsulation and indicated that stable electrostatic complexes form within a narrow pH range where chitosan is positively charged and the virion surface is negatively charged. The encapsulated viruses remained intact under acidic conditions but were rapidly released under alkaline conditions mimicking the posterior midgut of SWD. Encapsulation efficiency increased with decreasing chitosan molecular weight and higher stirring speed, reaching up to 90%. Bioassays demonstrated that both formulated viruses caused high mortality in adult flies, with no adverse effects from the carrier matrix. These findings establish chitosan–TPP formulations as an effective strategy for virus stabilization and targeted release in biological pest control. Full article

Invasive insects can cause significant economic impacts to agriculture worldwide and impact human health. Traditional pest management methods that include chemical insecticides have raised increasing environmental and health concerns, prompting the need for sustainable alternatives. The Sterile Insect Technique (SIT), which consists of releasing sterile males of a target pest to mate with wild females, is held as a promising solution. However, the success of SIT relies on the release of sterile males. The efficient separation of sexes prior to sterilization and release is necessary. This study presents SIT-ia, a software–hardware system that utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) and computer vision to automate the sex-sorting process. We showcase its use with the fruit fly pest D. suzukii. The system was able to identify males from females with a 98.6% accuracy, sorting 1000 sterile flies in ~70 min, which is nearly half the time involved in manual sorting by experts (i.e., ~112 min). This simple device can easily be adopted in SIT production protocols, improving the feasibility and efficacy of improved pest management practices. Full article

The increase in the world population and consequent rise in food demand have led to the extensive use of chemical pesticides, causing environmental and health concerns. In response, biological control methods, particularly those involving microbial agents, have emerged as sustainable alternatives within integrated pest management. This study highlights the potential of Lysinibacillus fusiformis as a biocontrol agent against the dipteran Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) (Diptera: Drosophilidae), a pest responsible for damaging soft-skinned fruits. Experimental treatments using vegetative cells, spores, and secondary metabolites of L. fusiformis on D. suzukii larvae demonstrated significant larvicidal effects, accompanied by observable changes in gut morphology under microscopy. Moreover, preliminary immunological assays showed the interference of this bacterium with the host immune system. All the results indicate the suitability of L. fusiformis for its possible integration into sustainable agricultural practices, although additional research is required to understand its applicability in the field. Full article

Drosophila suzukii is a key invasive pest, and infestation in peach orchards can lead to significant economic losses. This study monitored the spatial distribution and reproductive biology of D. suzukii in central Italy to inform integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. In the surveyed orchard, the pest exhibited multiple generations, with captures highest along mixed-species-orchard edges, highlighting these margins as potential hotspots for targeted mass trapping. Seasonal dissections of females revealed delayed ovarian development during winter, while maturation progressed during fruit ripening and post-harvest periods. This result provides relevant information on the likely timing of oviposition, useful for informing pest management. A laboratory oviposition trial on nectarines revealed a clear preference for healthy, mechanically damaged fruits, whereas fungal infection reduced the attractiveness. This suggests that field sanitation, especially the timely removal of damaged or fallen fruits, could reduce pest presence and inoculum for the following season. Overall, these findings offer practical insights to support sustainable IPM approaches against D. suzukii in peach production systems. Full article

Ficus lindsayana is recognized for its medicinal properties, with previous studies highlighting the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of its latex (FLtA) and root (FRE) extracts. Harvesting these plant parts, however, raises ecological concerns. This study evaluates the phytochemical profiles, safety, and biological activities of F. lindsayana leaf (FL) extracts as more sustainable alternatives. Leaves were extracted using hot water (FLA) and 80% ethanol (FLE), yielding 32.9% and 11.4%, respectively. Metabolomic and targeted HPLC-MS/MS analyses revealed distinct phytochemical compositions. FLE was enriched in flavonoid aglycones and lipophilic compounds, while FLA contained higher levels of polar phenolics. FLA showed greater total phenolic and flavonoid contents and stronger antioxidant activity, with an SC₅₀ of 159 μg/mL for the DPPH assay. In contrast, FLE demonstrated more pronounced anti-inflammatory activity. In LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages, FLE significantly reduced nitric oxide production and iNOS expression at both the protein and mRNA levels. FLE also reduced IL-6 secretion in a dose-dependent manner without affecting TNF-α, suggesting selective cytokine modulation. Both extracts exhibited low cytotoxicity (IC₂₀ > 800 µg/mL in most cell types), non-hemolytic properties, and no mutagenic activity in the Drosophila wing spot assay. Compared to root and latex extracts, FLE ranked second in anti-inflammatory potency (FRE > FLE > FLA = FLtA). FLE, therefore represents a promising candidate, combining potent bioactivity with environmental responsibility and supporting the further development of F. lindsayana leaf-derived products for use in functional foods or botanical therapeutics. Full article

Drosophila suzukii is an invasive pest of many fruit crops worldwide. Employing the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) could mitigate D. suzukii population growth and crop damage. This study evaluated the efficacy of SIT on commercial fruit, by (1) validating the quality of irradiated sterile males (male mating competitiveness, courtship, and flight performance) in the laboratory, and (2) assessing population suppression and fruit damage reduction in commercial raspberry fields. Treatment with SIT was compared to the grower’s standard chemical insecticide program throughout the season. The principal metrics of efficacy were trap counts of wild adult female D. suzukii in crops and larvae per fruit during harvesting. These metrics together with monitoring of border areas allowed targeting of high-pressure areas with higher releases of sterile males, to maximise efficacy for a given release number. The sterile male D. suzukii were as competitive as their fertile non-irradiated counterparts in laboratory mating competitiveness and flight performance studies while fertility egg-to-pupae recovery was reduced by 99%. In commercial raspberry crops, season-long releases of sterile males significantly suppressed the wild D. suzukii population, compared to the grower standard control strategy; with up to 89% reduction in wild female D. suzukii and 80% decrease in numbers of larvae per harvested fruit. Additionally, relative fruit waste (i.e., percentage of harvested fruits rejected for sale) at harvest was reduced for early, mid and late harvest crops, by up to 58% compared to the grower standard control. SIT has the potential to provide an effective and sustainable strategy for managing D. suzukii in raspberries, increasing marketable yield by reducing adult populations, fruit damage and waste fruit. SIT could therefore serve as a valuable tool for integrated pest management practices in berry production systems. Full article

The spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii is an injurious polyphagous pest threatening worldwide soft fruit production. Its high adaptability to new colonized environments, short life cycle, and wide host range are supporting its rapid spread. The most common techniques to reduce its significant economic damage are based on multiple insecticides applications per season, even prior to the harvest, which reduces agroecosystem biodiversity and affects human and animal health. Environmental concerns and regulatory restrictions on insecticide use are driving the need for studies on alternative biological control strategies. This study aimed to assess the effect of T. drosphilae in controlling D. suzukii infestations and its interaction with P. vindemiae, a secondary parasitoid naturally present in Apulia (South Italy). Field experiments were carried out in organic cherry orchards in Gioia del Colle (Bari, Italy) to test the efficacy and adaptability of T. drosphilae following weekly releases of artificially reared individuals. Additionally, the interaction between P. vindemiae and T. drosphilae was studied under laboratory conditions. Results from field experiments showed that D. suzukii populations were significantly lower when both parasitoids were present. However, T. drosophilae was less prone to adaptation, so its presence and parasitism were limited to the post-release period. Laboratory experiments, instead, confirmed the high reduction of D. suzukii populations when both parasitoids are present. However, the co-existence of the two parasitoids resulted in a reduced parasitism rate and offspring production, notably for T. drosophilae. This competitive disadvantage may explain its poor establishment in field conditions. These findings suggest that the field release of the two natural enemies should be carried out with reference to their natural population abundance to not generate competition effects. Full article