Attraction of Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coquillett) to selected gut microbiota supernatants: implications for pest control

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coquillett) is a distructive quarantine insect pest that causes significant economic losses on cucurbit crops. To explore a green control approach, we investigated the behavioral responses of B. cucurbitae larvae and adults to bacterial suspensions, sediments, and supernatants derived from eight gut microbial strains across four distinct genera. The proboscis extension response was used to evaluate the impact of these microbial strains. In addition, using food selection experiments, two-choice trap methods, and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, we isolated and identified the predominant volatile compounds in the microbiota supernatants.

RESULTS

Among the tested gut microbial strains, Kluyvera, Morganella, and Providencia exhibited notable attraction toward B. cucurbitae. In particular, the supernatant of Providencia M38 revealed the most highly attractive effect on B. cucurbitae larvae, whereas the supernatant of Morganella M72 was highly attractive to B. cucurbitae adults. Primary components present in the supernatant of M38 and M72 were dimethyl disulfide, indole, 2-nonone, phenethyl alcohol, and 1-decanol.

CONCLUSION

Strains of M38 and M72 displayed remarkable attractive properties for B. cucurbitae larvae and adults, respectively, presenting promising potential for developing a novel attractant for this pest species. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.