Volatile Organic Compounds for Drosophila suzukii control in fruit orchards

Overview

Soft and red-skinned fruit crops suffer significant losses from Drosophila suzukii (spotted-wing drosophila, or SWD), an invasive pest whose oviposition damages fruit and renders broad-spectrum pesticides ineffective. This project proposes the use of naturally occurring volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that disrupt SWD oviposition behavior, offering a sustainable alternative compatible with integrated pest management (IPM) practices. By creating micro-environments in high-value orchards that interfere with SWD reproductive cycles, the approach aims to reduce pest pressure while minimizing impact on beneficial and non-target insects.

Technical specifications

• Active compounds: A screened battery of volatile organic compounds that interact with the SWD neuro-sensory and olfactory system to impair oviposition behavior.
• Delivery methods: VOCs can be released through plant-based co-cultures that emit compounds upon damage, or through chemically produced formulations released via automated systems.
• Deployment platforms: Potential integration with unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) for targeted orchard application.
• Supporting capabilities: AI tools for orchard monitoring, plant volatile genetics expertise, and IPM frameworks.
• Intellectual property: IP protection has been sought on the active compounds affecting ovipositor behavior.

Technology readiness level

The project is in early-to-mid stage development. A battery of candidate compounds has been tested in laboratory settings, and IP protection has been initiated. A 1M€ government grant application has been submitted under a public-private consortium led by the University of Salamanca's innovation office, with funding outcome expected by year-end. The consortium is seeking a chemistry, formulation, and regulatory partner to strengthen the research plan, particularly around determining effective concentrations, formulation strategies, and regulatory pathways for orchard deployment.