Olive fly - bacteria - host fruit interactions
Olive flies (Bactrocera oleae) are unique among other fruit flies (Tephritidae: Dacinae and Trypetinae). Whereas most species develop in chemically benign, ripe fruit, olive flies preferentially reproduce in unripe olives, rich in antinutritive and antibacterial secondary metabolites. Occupying this unusual niche is facilitated by a specific gut bacterium (Ca. Erwinia dacicola), which enables larvae to overcome the chemical defense of unripe fruit by a yet unknown mechanism. This tri-partied, insect-bacteria-host plant interaction offers unique opportunities to examine the ecological, behavioral and evolutionary aspects of this symbiosis comparatively to other fruit flies.
From an agricultural point of view, olive flies are important pests and their obligate dependence on symbiotic bacteria remains a target for developing environmentally-friendly, symbiont-based control measures against the fly. We currently examine both applied and basic aspects of this symbiosis, aiming to provide new insights and possible solutions for managing this pest.
Temperature, competitiveness and invasiveness in fruit flies
Polyphagous fruit flies of the genus Bactrocera (Tephritidae) have been involved in several recent invasions, leading to changes in endemic fruit fly communities and negative economic consequences. One such species, the peach fruit fly (B. zonata), is currently at risk of establishing in parts of Mediterranean Europe, where its potential biogeographic range overlaps with that of the Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata). Given that interspecific competition can constrain population expansion, we examine interactions between the two species during larval development, hypothesizing that competitive outcomes are affected by increasing temperatures associated with climate warming, diet composition, and the larval microbiome. This work is conducted within the framework of the EU-funded REACT project, which aims to develop response strategies and novel, sustainable tools based on the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) to manage fruit fly invasions.
Urban habitats and areawide management of fruit flies
The Mediterranean fruit fly (Medfly) is a major pest of citrus, causing substantial economic losses through larval infestation and posing quarantine risks to international market access. Medfly populations extend beyond commercial orchards, with development occurring on a wide range of host plants in private and public gardens within urban areas and settlements. Growers commonly perceive nearby settlements as sources of increased Medfly pressure in adjacent orchards. However, this assumption has rarely been tested quantitatively. As urban landscapes continue to expand worldwide, understanding their contribution to pest dynamics in agricultural systems is becoming increasingly important. Together with Dr. Yafit Cohen (ARO) we employ large-scale, data-driven spatial analysis to quantify how urban areas affect medfly occurrence in citrus orchards across Israel, aiming to identify which settlement characteristics drive these dynamics. The results are intended for integration into the national medfly decision support system.
Past projects
Drosophilid flies, gut microbiome and sour rot disease in grapes
Vinegar flies (Diptera: Drosophilidae) generate 'sour rot' decay of grape bunches - a devastating disease of table grapes with increasing incidence. Their destructive potential is facilitated by their associated microbiome. This consortium of yeasts and bacteria contribute to rot development and larval nutrition in grape berries, and in turn is mutually dependent on the larvae. this project characterized the sour rot system in vineyards in Israel and examined the complementary association between larvae and their microbiome, aiming to improve disease management by developing measures to control flies and microbes alike.
