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Identification of natural pathogens from wild Drosophila suzukii
Author(s) -
Bing XiaoLi,
Winkler Jessica,
Gerlach Joseph,
Loeb Gregory,
Buchon Nicolas
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
pest management science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.296
H-Index - 125
eISSN - 1526-4998
pISSN - 1526-498X
DOI - 10.1002/ps.6235
Subject(s) - drosophila suzukii , biology , drosophila (subgenus) , serratia marcescens , pest analysis , biological pest control , drosophilidae , microbiology and biotechnology , botany , drosophila melanogaster , biochemistry , escherichia coli , gene
Abstract BACKGROUND Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura, 1931) (spotted wing drosophila), an invasive species, has recently become a significant global pest of soft‐skinned fruits such as berries. Unlike other Drosophila species, female D. suzukii have evolved a specialized sharp, serrated ovipositor that pierces and penetrates ripe and ripening fruits, causing them to lose commercial value and preventing their sale. A first step for the development of biological control agents for pest management may be achieved through the identification of microbes infectious for D. suzukii in the wild. RESULTS We first determined that D. suzukii is susceptible to chemicals commonly used to rear Drosophilids in the laboratory and established a diet able to sustain healthy D. suzukii growth. Using this diet, we demonstrated that of 25 species of culturable bacteria and fungi isolated from field‐collected D. suzukii , eight microbes decreased host survival when injected. Three of the eight bacteria ( Alcaligenes faecalis , Achromobacter spanius and Serratia marcescens ) were acutely pathogenic to both D. suzukii and Drosophila melanogaster adults by injection. Feeding of these bacteria resulted in susceptibility only in larvae. CONCLUSION We successfully identified multiple microbes from field‐collected D. suzukii that are pathogenic to both larvae and adults through different routes of infection, some of which could be candidates for biocontrol of this species. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry