Hood College Receives Research Grant Targeting Invasive Fly Species Responsible for Over $700M in Agricultural Damage

The Hood College Department of Biology has been awarded a $19,998 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to conduct research on natural predators of the invasive Spotted-Wing Drosophila fly. This species was first identified in California in 2008 and is now regarded as a major pest for various fruits including blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, and cherries in the United States, causing an estimated $718 million in agricultural damage each year.

Assisted by students, the research will be led by Assistant Professor of Biology Chia-Hue Lue, Ph.D. The goal is to mitigate the damage caused by Spotted-Wing Drosophila flies by identifying natural enemies that specifically target the insect. This initiative aims to help reduce crop loss and lessen the reliance on chemical pesticides.

"Through this project, we are working to establish natural enemies that specifically target the pest, helping to reduce crop damage while decreasing reliance on chemical pesticides," Lue stated. The project will also provide students at Hood College with valuable research opportunities, including field sampling, insect identification, laboratory research, and data analysis, while collaborating with scientists from various universities and federal research agencies.

"With experiences like these," Lue added, "[Hood students] gain hands-on training in entomology, ecology, and biological control, while developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and scientific communication skills."

Hood College is an independent, liberal arts institution offering 30 bachelor's degrees, four pre-professional programs, 20 master's degree programs, four doctorates, and 11 post-baccalaureate certificates. Situated in historic Frederick, the college is in proximity to Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and the I-270 technology corridor, providing students with numerous internships and research opportunities.