Bye-bye, fruit fly: Microbial control of Drosophila suzukii in an agricultural context

Drosophila suzukii, commonly known as Spotted Wing Drosophila, is a globally invasive fruit fly that deeply affects agricultural production. The ovipositor of D. suzukii is able to pierce the hard skin of fruits such as blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum) in contrast to other fruit flies which lay eggs in soft, decaying fruits. Conventional growers may rely on pesticide sprays, yet organic growers are disproportionately affected as they have limited access to D. suzukii control solutions. Microbial solutions are thus an emerging field of biocontrol for D. suzukii. This infographic highlights the methods through which microbial solutions may be developed via the process of identification, assay, and delivery. This begins with screening microbe strains for insecticidal traits via literature review, phylogenetic, and genomic analysis; followed by bioassay of selected microbes at larval, puparial, and adult stages of pest;and development of field applications to insects via fruit. In particular, this infographic will demonstrate these methods through the case study of Pseudomonas spp., D. suzukii, and V. corymbosum. Literature review and analysis of Pseudomonas spp.have highlighted promising candidates. Adult bioassays of these candidates have indicated insecticidal activity, and subsequent larval and puparial bioassays are underway to understand lethal effects at all stages of the lifecycle. Future directions include assays on infested V. corymbosum to determine any influence on oviposition or emergence in planta and exploring the synergistic effects of Pseudomonas spp. with Bacillus thuringensis and silicon on survival of D. suzukii.