Semiochemicals of Rhagoletis fruit flies: Potential for integrated pest management

Abstract

a b s t r a c tWorldwide economic losses associated with Rhagoletis fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) require an effective means of control. Most conventional insecticides used to control fruit flies have been banned, and fruit producers are seeking new economical fruit fly control options. Bait stations can be a suitable alternative, provided they are affordable, effective and pest-specific. Semiochemicals are important for fruit flies to locate their host fruit and to reproduce. They could therefore be good candidates to improve existing bait stations. In this literature review, we summarize the available data on Rhagoletis semiochemicals, including (1) the kairomones involved in fruit location, (2) mating and sex pheromones and (3) oviposition and host marking pheromones. We present the latest data on the chemical composition of these semiochemicals, as well as some field applications that have been successful at Rhagoletis fly control. Based on the available data on the semiochemicals of Rhagoletis species and other Tephritid flies, we believe that the association of an efficient food attractant with early applications of host marking pheromones could reduce the risk of oviposition that usually occurs rapidly after emergence. Also, traps baited with sex pheromones and/or fruit-associated kairomones could attract and kill emerging individuals. However, analytical work has still to be conducted, as most Rhagoletis semiochemicals have yet to be identified.

Identification of walnut husk (Juglans regia L.) volatiles and the behavioural response of the invasive Walnut Husk Fly, Rhagoletis completa Cresson

“…Among the potential options to be developed and evaluated are semiochemical‐based control strategies. Volatile semiochemicals are volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are used by insect pests to locate their host and reproduce . VOCs, such as kairomones originating from the host plants, can be used to improve the attractiveness of the baited stations, as shown for Ceratitis capitata Wiedemann, Bactrocera cucurbitae Coquillett, Bactrocera dorsalis Hendel, and Bactrocera oleae Gmelin .…”

“…Sex pheromones have also proven their efficiency in controlling a large panel of insect pests of fruit trees . However, the number of published reports focusing on Rhagoletis semiochemicals remains relatively low, compared to their economic impact …”

“…Volatile semiochemicals are volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are used by insect pests to locate their host and reproduce. 4 VOCs, such as kairomones originating from the host plants, can be used to improve the attractiveness of the baited stations, as shown for Ceratitis capitata Wiedemann, Bactrocera cucurbitae Coquillett, Bactrocera dorsalis Hendel, and Bactrocera oleae Gmelin. 5,6 Sex pheromones have also proven their efficiency in controlling a large panel of insect pests of fruit trees.…”

“…7 However, the number of published reports focusing on Rhagoletis semiochemicals remains relatively low, compared to their economic impact. 4 Many studies have demonstrated the importance of host plant VOCs in the orientation behaviour of fruit flies. 8 In the genus Rhagoletis, the importance of fruit kairomones has only been shown for Rhagoletis pomonella.…”

Will climate change affect insect pheromonal communication?

“…Graphic art by Carolina Levicek. [26,27], bark beetles [28] and fruit flies [29]. As highlighted for Drosophila melanogaster, terpenes could lose their biological activity after short-term ozone fumigation at environmentally-realistic concentrations (ranging from 40 to 120 ppb) [30].…”