In a new study published in Pest Management Science, the team explored how blueberries infected with a specific fungus, Colletotrichum fioriniae, emit odors that repel spotted-wing drosophila—a fruit fly that is a destructive pest of berries and cherries. By recreating the repellent aroma from the fungus, they were able to trick the flies into perceiving healthy fruit as infected.

The result? An alternative pest control method that can manipulate insect behavior and reduce insecticide use—with no fungal infection required.

Spotted-wing drosophila (Drosophila suzukii) is a notorious pest that poses a significant threat to thin-skinned fruits, causing substantial economic losses to growers worldwide.

"D. suzukii are very difficult to control because most of their life cycle occurs inside of fruit where they are protected from chemical sprays, leaving only the flying adult insects as potential targets for insecticides," explained Caitlin Rering, from the United States Department of Agriculture, and one of the lead authors on the study.