Affiliation:
1. Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology Ohlebergsweg 12 D‐35394 Giessen Germany
2. Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits Flugplatzstrasse 75 D‐90768 Fuerth Germany
3. Institute for Insect Biotechnology Justus Liebig University of Giessen Heinrich‐Buff‐Ring 26 D‐35392 Giessen Germany
Abstract
AbstractDrosophila suzukii (D. suzukii), commonly known as the spotted wing drosophila, is a highly invasive crop pest that is difficult to control using chemical insecticides. To address the urgent need for alternative and more sustainable control strategies, the sterile insect technique (SIT) is improved, which involves the release of sterilized male insects to mate with fertile conspecifics, thereby reducing the size of the pest population in the subsequent generation. The three critical aspects that influence the success of SIT programs in D. suzukii are addressed. First, an accurate and nondestructive method is established to determine the sex of individual insects based on the differential weight of male and female pupae. Second, conditions for X‐ray sterilization are systematically tested and an optimal dose (90 kV/40 Gy) is identified that ensures the efficient production of sterile D. suzukii for release. Finally, the inherent thermosensitivity of D. suzukii males is exploited to develop a temperature‐based sterilization technique, offering an alternative or additional SIT method for this pest. These advances will contribute to the development of a comprehensive and effective strategy for the management of D. suzukii populations, reducing their impact on agriculture and helping to safeguard crop yields.
Funder
Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung