Methods for repelling Drosophila species using 2-pentylfuran
Inventors
CHA, Dong H. • Loeb, Gregory M.
Assignees
Cornell University • US Department of Agriculture USDA
Publication Number
US-11432548-B2
Publication Date
2022-09-06
Expiration Date
2041-02-12
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Abstract
Methods for repelling Drosophila species (e.g., D. suzukii, D. melanogaster) involving treating an object or area with a composition containing a Drosophila species (e.g., D. suzukii, D. melanogaster) repelling effective amount of 2-pentylfuran and optionally a carrier.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to methods for repelling Drosophila species, including D. suzukii and D. melanogaster, by treating an object or area with a composition comprising a repelling effective amount of 2-pentylfuran and optionally a carrier. The methods involve exposing Drosophila species to this composition, which can be delivered through various dispensers or spray formulations. This approach aims to reduce oviposition and infestation by these pest species in different environments.
The problem being solved is the significant agricultural and commercial damage caused by Drosophila species, especially the invasive fruit fly D. suzukii, which damages soft-skinned fruit crops by laying eggs into intact, marketable fruit. Current management often relies on frequent pesticide applications that have economic, environmental, and health drawbacks, including increased resistance development and disruption of integrated pest management programs. Similarly, D. melanogaster is a global nuisance pest in households and food handling areas and can be difficult to control where removal of breeding sources is not feasible. There is a need for effective, less harmful repellents that reduce reliance on insecticides and complement behavioral manipulation strategies like push-pull systems.
Claims Coverage
The patent contains one independent claim that covers methods for repelling Drosophila species. The main inventive features are related to the use of 2-pentylfuran in compositions for repelling specified Drosophila species.
Method for repelling Drosophila species using 2-pentylfuran
A method comprising treating an object or area with a composition that includes a Drosophila species repelling-effective amount of 2-pentylfuran and optionally a carrier, specifically targeting Drosophila suzukii or Drosophila melanogaster.
The claims cover the method of using 2-pentylfuran compositions to repel Drosophila suzukii and Drosophila melanogaster by treating objects or areas, optionally including a carrier component in the composition.
Stated Advantages
2-pentylfuran exhibits strong repellent effects against Drosophila suzukii, reducing oviposition and infestation in laboratory, semi-field, and field conditions, with repellency exceeding 50% at higher release rates.
Compared to previously known repellents like 1-octen-3-ol, 2-pentylfuran shows significantly stronger repellent activity.
2-pentylfuran has a mild, pleasant odor and is registered as a food additive considered generally safe, which is advantageous over repellents with unpleasant odors.
It is effective against both D. suzukii and D. melanogaster, suggesting broad utility in managing multiple Drosophila pests.
Documented Applications
Repelling Drosophila suzukii in agricultural settings to reduce infestation and oviposition on soft-skinned fruit crops such as raspberries and blueberries.
Repelling Drosophila melanogaster in households, commercial food marketing and handling areas such as grocery stores, wineries, and produce storage areas to reduce fly populations and contamination.
Use in push-pull systems by applying 2-pentylfuran as a repellent component to protect crops and reduce pesticide reliance.
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