ARS | Publication request: Using portable gas spectrometry for detection of invasive pests at ports of entry

Submitted to: Florida Entomological Society Annual Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: June 16, 2009
Publication Date: July 29, 2009
Citation: Roda, A.L., Kendra, P.E., Weihman, S.W., Varona, E., Montgomery, W.S., Schnell, E.Q., Vazquez, A., Epsky, N.D., Heath, R.R. 2009. Using portable gas spectrometry for detection of invasive pests at ports of entry. Florida Entomological Society Annual Meeting.

Technical Abstract: Inspectors at ports of entry are faced with the daunting task of trying to find regulated insect and plant material amongst the millions of articles passing through inspection stations daily. Small insects, pests concealed inside plant materials, and plant diseases can easily escape detection and invade the country. In a collaborative effort, portable gas chromatography technology was tested to determine if volatile signatures could be used to detect fruit fly larvae concealed in grapefruit and to distinguish permissible bonsai trees species from prohibited citrus species.