Rutgers scientists identify yeast-based repellent for fruit pests

Researchers at Rutgers University and the U.S. Department of Agriculture have identified natural scent compounds from yeast that act as powerful repellents against the spotted-wing drosophila (Drosophila suzukii).

The invasive pest is particularly destructive to fruit farming because it uses a saw-edged organ to lay eggs directly inside ripe blueberries, cherries, raspberries, and grapes. This allows larvae to feed from within the fruit, making traditional topical insecticides less effective.

During laboratory testing, two specific scent compounds found in the yeast—isoamyl butanoate and 2-phenyl-1-propanal—successfully repelled all tested pest flies in cage trials. These results outperformed three established commercial repellents. While the yeast discouraged the invasive pests from laying eggs, common fruit flies appeared to prefer it. Researchers noted that field trials are required before these findings can be implemented for commercial growers.