Sex pheromone of Drosophila suzukii, an invasive fruit pest

Among Drosophila species, volatile organic compounds are key for host- and mate-finding behaviour. Recently, it was discovered that a single olfactory receptor channel (Or69a) in D. melanogaster that is tuned to both host odours and sex pheromones (Lebreton et al. 2017). Phylogenic analysis suggests this receptor is conserved across all Drosophila species; however, Or69a is believed to encode different pheromones in different species (Lebreton et al. 2017). Researchers at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) have produced “empty neuron” transgenic D. suzukii to allow us to verify its role in pheromone reception and specificity by effectively silencing Or69a receptors.
The sex pheromone of a related species, D. melanogaster, is derived from a precursor cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) (Lebreton et al. 2017). Researchers at SLU have isolated and identified all comparable CHCs on D. suzukii and have synthesized candidate pheromones. I have been invited to collaborate at SLU beginning February until August 2018 to conduct physiological and behavioural research to identify the pheromone specific to D. suzukii, and determine its efficacy as a chemical attractant.

Faculty Supervisor:

Thomas W Chapman;Kirk Hillier

Student:

Partner:

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (Alnarp campus)

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Agriculture and Food; Life Sciences (not health); Sustainability & the Environment

University:

Memorial University of Newfoundland

Program: