Behavioral effects of hemicellulose on Drosophila suzukii compared with other attractants

Hemicellulose is a complex carbohydrate found in the plant cell walls, known for its structural
role with cellulose. While commonly studied in the context of plant biology and microbiology,
hemicellulose has never been utilized for fly control despite its potential as an attractant.
Attractants are substances used to lure pests which significantly alter their behavior, making
them highly effective in integrated pest management (IPM) strategies to protect crops. This
study focuses on the behavioral effects of hemicellulose on Drosophila suzukii, comparing its
efficacy with other established attractants: Decoy, Droski (a mixture of vinegar and wine),
Scentry, and Combi-protec. Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae), an invasive dipteran
pest from East Asia, is highly detrimental to small and stone fruits due to the female’s ability
to oviposit during the ripening process with their serrated ovipositor.
Data was collected using a Drosophila activity monitor (DAM), arena test, and semi-field trials
assessing the behavioral patterns of Drosophila suzukii in response to different attractants.
Understanding how these attractants change the behavior of D. suzukii is essential for
developing effective pest management strategies that do not rely on pesticides. Altering the
egg-laying patterns of pests and increasing trapping efficiency via research into new attractants
like hemicellulose, can improve the efficacy of push and pull strategies in agricultural systems.
This research investigates the potential of hemicellulose as a novel behavior-modifying agent
in IPM programs