Previous studies have shown that microbes can have significant effects on insect behavior. The presence or absence of microbes can alter host preferences, mate selection, and oviposition sites. Recently, Drosophila suzukii has emerged as an significant pest of soft fruits grown here in Florida and growers need more strategies for managing this pest. For this project we asked two simple questions. Can microbes alter the behavior of spotted-wing drosophila in the lab and can how can we reduce the pressure of this pest in the field? These questions have lead to a powerful collaboration between the University of Florida and the US Department of Agriculture.
