Fruit chemistry as it relates to Drosophila suzukii oviposition

Cellulose-hemicelluloses, pectins and waxes are key building blocks in ripening fruit and fruit skin, as it relates to softening, and increased susceptibility to Drosophila suzukii attack. These compounds contribute to strengthening the cell wall but are rapidly metabolized as fruit ripen. These changes are precursors to volatile release and softening of fruit, which are key factors of pest infestation and susceptibility. We hypothesize that there is a link between metabolism of cell walls and biologically-relevant volatiles and susceptibility. This work aimed to query D. suzukii perception of such changes in behavioral trials under controlled conditions. Such data can be used to create a mechanistic risk model, allowing growers to act before fruit become susceptible to attack by this insect. Our initial findings created additional questions about the damaging behavior of this potent agricultural pest.  We believe that this work may aid the synthesis of more effective attractants, manipulation of damage susceptibility as well as providing a clearer picture of behavioral triggers. These findings may provide a generalized framework to study pest behavior and its agricultural consequences, with relevance to fruit flies as pests in multiple crops.