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. We currently characterize the sour rot system in vineyards in Israel and examine the complementary association between larvae and their microbiome. Ultimately, we aim to improve disease management by developing measures to control flies and microbes alike. (Together with Dr. Samir Droby, Department of Postharvest Science, ARO. Supported by the ICA foundation in Israel)
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 solutions for managing this pest.
Abiotic stress resistance in fruit flies
The capacity to tolerate climatic extremes is an important factor determining insect distribution and spread. In agroecosystems insecticides add to abiotic stress encountered by insects, and eventually select for population phenotypes. Together with Dr. David Nestel (Department of Entomology, ARO) we currently characterize the tolerance of Tephritid fruit flies to temperature extremes. Additionally, we examine the resistance to insecticides in Tephritid and Drosophilid flies. This project integrates a microbial aspect assuming that tolerance to these stress factors can be partially mediated by insect associated microbes.
