Increased sugar valuation contributes to the evolutionary shift in egg-laying behavior of the fruit pest Drosophila suzukii

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002432
• Publication Date: 2023-12-11T18:35:46Z
• Authors: Matthieu Cavey; Bernard Charroux; Solène Travaillard; Gérard Manière; Martine Berthelot...; Sabine Quitard; Caroline Minervino; Brice Detailleur; Yaël Grosjean; Benjamin Prud’homme
• Keywords: Drosophila Suzukii; Melanogaster

Behavior evolution can promote the emergence of agricultural pests by changing their ecological niche. For example, insect pest Drosophila suzukii has shifted its oviposition (egg-laying) niche from fermented fruits to ripe, non-fermented fruits, causing significant damage a wide range fruit crops worldwide. We investigate chemosensory changes underlying this evolutionary shift and ask whether sugars, which are depleted during fermentation, important gustatory cues that direct D. sweet, ripe fruits. show expanded responses lower sugar concentrations than model melanogaster, prefers lay eggs on fruit. The increased response correlates with an increase in value relative strawberry substrate decisions. In addition, we genetic manipulation sugar-gustatory receptor neurons (GRNs) perception is required for prefer over substrate, but not melanogaster substrate. Thus, major determinant suzukii's choice complex substrates. Calcium imaging experiments brain's primary center (suboesophageal zone) GRNs more sensitive counterparts, suggesting valuation encoded downstream circuits central nervous system (CNS). Taken together, our data suggest brain computations involved driving preference