Botanical volatile organic compound repellent for spotted-wing drosophila crop protection
A non-lethal pest management approach using plant-derived volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from lavender, catnip, and commercial botanical oils to repel Drosophila suzukii (spotted-wing drosophila) from small fruit crops. Field-validated efficacy comparable to spinosad, offering a biodiversity-friendly alternative to broad-spectrum insecticides for raspberry and blueberry protection.
Overview
This research program develops a non-lethal, repellent-based pest management strategy for Drosophila suzukii (spotted-wing drosophila, SWD) using botanical volatile organic compounds (VOCs) derived from lavender, catnip, and commercial botanical oil formulations. The approach addresses growing concerns about broad-spectrum insecticide impacts on insect biodiversity and rising SWD insecticide resistance. By deterring SWD from fruit without causing mortality, the technology offers small fruit growers (raspberry, blueberry, day-neutral strawberry) an environmentally sustainable alternative that preserves pollinators and beneficial insects while protecting crop yields.
Technical specifications
- Tested botanical sources: Lavandula spp. oil, Nepeta spp. oil, Actinidia spp. oil, and Mentha spp. oil
- Commercial formulations evaluated: KeyPlex Ecotrol PLUS and KeyPlex Sporan SC2
- Laboratory validation: Multi-choice assays showed all treatments except Nepeta oil significantly deterred SWD from diet (P < 0.001)
- Field validation: Ecotrol PLUS deterred SWD from raspberries with infestation rates comparable to spinosad (P < 0.001)
- Planned olfactometer testing: Five concentrations and combinations of specific VOCs to characterize dose-dependent behavioral responses and identify candidates for push-pull field deployment
- Field deployment considerations: VOC evaporation rate measurement, pollinator visitation monitoring, and assessment of physiological effects on host plants
- Target crops: Raspberry, blueberry, and day-neutral strawberry
Technology readiness level
The technology has advanced through laboratory multi-choice bioassays and initial field trials demonstrating repellent efficacy on par with the conventional insecticide spinosad. Current development focuses on identifying optimal VOC concentrations and combinations through olfactometer experiments, followed by expanded field testing across multiple small fruit systems. Future work will quantify evaporation dynamics, pollinator safety, and plant compatibility to refine deployment protocols for commercial adoption.
About University of Minnesota
The University of Minnesota is a flagship, comprehensive public research university spanning multiple campuses, with a large research enterprise and clinical integration. Industry engages through co-located labs on the Twin Cities campuses, access to an academic health system for clinical translation, and pilot and field-testing facilities that speed scale-up. A statewide extension network and outreach centers provide real-world sites and data partnerships across Minnesota, while proximity to a dense medtech and Fortune 500 corridor enables frequent collaboration. Research is supported by competitive federal funding, including NIH, NSF, DOE, USDA, and DoD. A dedicated technology transfer office manages IP, licensing, sponsored research agreements, and startup incubation to speed commercialization.
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