Development of improved monitoring strategies for spotted wing Drosophila

Monitoring for the spotted wing Drosophila (SWD), Drosophila suzukii, is difficult and not sensitive to low populations. Currently the recommended method of monitoring adult SWD is using clear plastic cup traps containing apple cider vinegar (ACV) as an attractant and drowning solution, which results in low levels of fruit infestation before the capture of any adults in the traps. This project was undertaken to identify a defined attractant and trap design with improved sensitivity to monitor the presence and population density of SWD in the field. Other research showed that the flies are attracted to vinegar, wine, and the combination of the two, so testing varying levels of each compound could lead to a more attractive mixture. The current traps are not effective at monitoring for low level infestation. Odors that are found to be as or more attractive than ACV can be analyzed to determine the attractive compound and potentially concentrated in a mixture to create a more effective attractant. There are also many types of commercially available traps, with many different colors, shapes, and modes of entry. By keeping trap color and shape constant, the orientation of how SWD would likely enter a trap was tested. This will influence the selection of available traps or the design of an improved trap.