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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Gainesville, Florida » Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology » Insect Behavior and Biocontrol Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #209771
Title: Adaptations of Acoustic Technology for Detection of Hidden Insect Infestations in Trees and Their Root Systems

Author
item Mankin, Richard

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/28/2007
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Insects that attack the trunks and roots of trees are difficult to detect and control because the tree structures hide and protect them. The vibrations caused by insects moving and feeding within the root systems can travel over long distances; consequently, acoustic technology is a likely candidate for use in a non-visual detection system. Experience with the use of acoustic sensors in trees and root systems has demonstrated, however, that background noise can severely degrade the effectiveness of such systems in typical agricultural environments. We consider here some of the recently developed techniques used to discriminate insect sounds from background noise.