Project Number: 6631-22000-005-11
Project Type: Trust

Start Date: May 02, 2011
End Date: May 01, 2014

Objective:
1. Identify volatile chemicals from host wood substrates that are attractive to redbay ambrosia betle (RAB), the vector of laurel wilt disease. 2. Use synthetic host-based attractants to develop tools for detection and control of RAB for use by action agencies and avocado growers.

Approach:
A multidisciplinary approach will combine: 1. Chemical identification/separation of volatiles (GC, GC-MS, spinning band distillation). 2. Electrophysiology studies of RAB olfactory response (EAG and GC-EAD). 3. Lab bioassays of RAB behavioral response (Olfactometers, flight tunnels, video analysis) and 4. Field tests to confirm semiochemical efficacy, lure formulations, and field life.