Meeting Abstract

P2-128   -   Examining the Effects of Chemical Irritants on the Spotted-Wing Fruit Fly Aparicio, SG*; Scott Chialvo, CH; Scott Chialvo, P; Appalachian State University; Appalachian State University; Appalachian State University seamusaparicios@gmail.com

The introduction of foreign species into ecosystems in which they are not native can have profound and potentially long-term ecological and environmental impacts. These invasive species can cause extinctions of native species, lead to destruction of habitats, and also impact local agriculture. One such species is the spotted wing fruit fly, Drosophila suzukii, which was introduced to the southeastern United States from southeast Asia. A major distinction between D. suzukii, and other fruit fly species is their preferred oviposition site. While most species prefer to lay eggs on rotting food matter, this species uses small, unbroken, fleshy fruits such as blueberries or cranberries as developmental hosts. This has led to a significant crop loss for local farmers. Much work has been done to understand this species’ physiology in order to develop potential control methods. In this study, we characterized the impact of two chemical irritants, capsaicin and allyl isothiocyanates, on oviposition and fly development in 10 isofemale genetic lines of D. suzukii. Our results provide context for how this species responds to these types of noxious compounds.