Disruption of Sex Pheromone Biosynthesis: A Novel Control Method for Pestiferous Fruit Flies (2004–2006)

Abstract:
Fruit flies from the genus Bactrocera are economically important worldwide. B. tryoni (Queensland fruit fly) is the most damaging horticultural pest in Australia and B. oleae (olive fly) is a major European pest. These flies use chemicals of similar but distinct structure for communication and particularly for finding mates. This research will examine the pathways and enzymes these flies use to synthesise sex pheromones. We propose that understanding the chemical and biochemical steps employed by the flies will allow us to design inhibitors to prevent pheromone production and thus provide a novel species specific method for controlling fruit flies.
Grant type:
ARC Discovery Projects
Researchers:
  • Head of School
    Faculty of Science
    Head of School of Chemistry and Mol
    School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences
    Faculty of Science
Funded by:
Australian Research Council