Postdoctoral Associate University of Georgia Athens, Georgia
Spotted-wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii, is an invasive species that was detected in the United States in 2008, causing severe crop damage to soft and stone fruits. Combi-protec (Andermatt Inc., Brighton, UK), is a novel adjuvant that consists of plant extract, proteins, and sugars. When mixed with insecticide spray solution, this adjuvant acts as a phagostimulant, that encourages D. suzukii feeding, resulting in enhanced insecticide uptake. Results of studies conducted to evaluate efficacy of this product will be presented.