Laboratory choice trials to identify repellent substances against Drosophila suzukii

Abstract: Drosophila suzukii Matsumara (Diptera: Drosophilidae) is an invasive pest species,which damages soft-skinned fruits worldwide. As feasible control measures against this fruitfly are still lacking, the present laboratory study was carried out to identify potential repellentsubstances as part of alternative management options. Four essential oils (celery oil, patchoulioil, catmint oil, peppermint oil) and five selected additional substances (2-undecanone, butylanthranilate, p-menthane-3,8-diol, icaridin, 1-octen-3-ol) were tested for their repellent effectson D. suzukii adults with a modified Direct Airborne Repellent Test. 1-octen-3-ol (5%, 10%)deterred D. suzukii flies effectively, celery oil (10%, 50%) showed a moderate repellency. Norepellent effect was achieved with the other tested substances. To identify potentialoviposition deterring effects a choice test with different host fruits applying neem oil and 1-octen-3-ol was carried out. No oviposition deterring effect was achieved with neem oilwhereas with the 1-octen-3-ol treatment no oviposition was obtained. Methodical aspects andthe trial results are discussed.