Comparative efficacy of GS-Hv1a against invasive tropical tephritids

Invasive tephritid fruit flies collectively pose a significant economic challenge to agricultural pest management globally. Insecticide resistance to a number of previously effective chemical classes has increased the risk these pests pose as management options become limited. We evaluated the efficacy of a novel class of peptide-based biorational insecticides containing the active ingredient, GS-omega/kappa-Hxtx-Hv1a (Hv1a), against four of tephritid species, oriental fruit fly (Bactrocera dorsalis), melon fly (Zeugodacus cucurbitae), Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata, “Medfly”), and Malaysian fruit fly (B. latrifrons). This assessment aimed to determine whether Hv1a has the potential for effective management of tropical tephritids, particularly in regions where insecticide resistance has developed to other products. We conducted two sets of screening assays with different methods of exposure, oral and topical, and compared survival over time in response to increasing concent...