Meeting Abstract

P1-114   -   Quantifying the effect of host on oviposition and development in the spotted wing fruit fly (Drosophila suzukii) Pointer, JS*; Scott-Chialvo, CH; Chialvo, P; Appalachian State University pointerjs@appstate.edu

The introduction of species into habitats that they did not previously occur in can have major ecological, environmental, and economic impacts. As a result of their introduction into a novel habitat, invasive species may be released from selective pressures such as resource competition and predation. Thus, understanding how invasive species impact the environment in which they occur is an active area of study. One such species, Drosophila suzukii, is an invasive fruit fly that is becoming a major pest to fruit farmers. It uses a serrated ovipositor to lay eggs in undamaged fruit, resulting in the loss of crops and thus profit. Due to its serrated ovipositor, fast growth rate, and broad host range, D. suzukii is difficult to manage effectively. Recently, D. suzukii was detected in the southern Appalachian mountains, an area of both high biodiversity, and production for several known crop hosts. Given the recent documentation of D. suzukii in this region, not much is known about the fly’s host preference and impact on endemic species. In this study, we assessed oviposition preference and larval performance on nine diets in ten inbred lines of locally collected D. suzukii. The results from our study will provide context for the impact of D. suzukii on host plants (endemic and agricultural) in this area.