A conditional female lethal system for genetic suppression of the global fruit crop pest Drosophila suzukii

BACKGROUND Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura, 1931, Diptera: Drosophilidae) is a global pest of soft-skinned fruits such as blueberries, cherries and raspberries. Also known as spotted-wing drosophila, D. suzukii is native to Asia but is now widely distributed in the Americas and Europe, and presents a serious challenge for growers. Genetic control strategies offer an environmentally friendly approach for the control of D. suzukii. RESULTS In this study, we developed transgenic strains of D. suzukii that carry dominant conditional female lethal transgenes. When raised in the absence of tetracycline, female D. suzukii die. We show that repeated releases of an excess of transgenic males can suppress D. suzukii populations in laboratory cage trials. CONCLUSION Our data suggest that the transgenic strain could provide an effective approach for control of this invasive pest of soft-skinned fruits.

Automated summary

The study developed transgenic strains of D. suzukii with dominant conditional female lethal transgenes. When raised without tetracycline, female D. suzukii die. Laboratory cage trials show that releasing excess transgenic males can suppress D. suzukii populations.