Methyl Jasmonate as a resistance inducer to Drosophila Suzukii Matsumura (Diptera: Drosophilidae) in greenhouse strawberry

Abstract

Abstract Drosophila suzukii Matsumura (Diptera: Drosophilidae) is an important and novel pest in strawberry crops, thus the study of tools that activate the natural defense mechanisms using plant endogenous hormones is relevant. In the present study, strawberry plants (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) were treated with three concentrations of methyl jasmonate (MeJa) to assess effects on population fluctuation, oviposition, and emergence of D. suzukii over time, as well as the physical-chemical properties of strawberries. The highest densities of D. suzukii occurred in the first two collections before the application of treatments in the area. The average number of insects captured in the third collection (first after applying MeJa in the area) was significantly lower than in the previous two. The total average (five collections) of eggs and the emergence of flies in fruits from strawberry sprinkled with 0.5 mM and 1 mM of MeJa was lower than those recorded with only water, which did not differ from ethanol at 1% (Et), for both factors. A more saturated shade of red was observed for fruits with 0.5mM in relation to water and Et and there were no differences of total titratable acidity and total soluble solids in fruits from strawberries sprayed with all treatments. The application of MeJa at 0.5 and 1 mM caused a smaller number of eggs deposited in the fruits and adults that emerged from them without influencing the physical-chemical properties.