TrachOdors

Global warming, international movement and trade are driving the spread of insect pests, such as Drosophila suzukii in France. Recently, we discovered a new modality for detecting odors emanating from an understudied tissue, which plays a key role in the behavior of this invasive species and a related model species. TrachOdors aims to determine precisely how these odors are detected. We will characterize the mechanisms of detection and action of these molecules in two complementary Drosophila species, using genetic tools, calcium imaging and behavioral tests. The ultimate aim is to understand how certain odors act on the behavior of crop pests, by highlighting an unknown organ that plays a key role in odor response, and to propose new innovative avenues via ecological solutions using non-toxic odors to protect fruit crops, without disrupting biodiversity and human health.