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Title: Laser system for identification, tracking, and control of flying insects

Author
item MULLEN, EMMA - Intellectual Ventures Laboratory
item RUTSCHMAN, PHILLIP - Intellectual Ventures Laboratory
item PEGRAM, NATHAN - Intellectual Ventures Laboratory
item Adamczyk, John
item Patt, Joseph - Joe
item JOHANSON, 3RIC - Intellectual Ventures Laboratory

Submitted to: Optics Express
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/25/2016
Publication Date: 5/23/2016
Citation: Mullen, E.R., Rutschman, P., Pegram, N., Adamczyk Jr, J.J., Patt, J.M., Johanson, E. 2016. Laser system for identification, tracking, and control of flying insects. Optics Express. 24(11):11828. doi:10.1364/OE.24.011828.

Interpretive Summary: Flying insects are common vectors for transmission of pathogens and inflict significant harm on humans in large parts of the developing world. Besides the direct impact to humans, these pathogens also cause harm to crops and result in agricultural losses. Here, we present a laser-based system that can practically implement highly specific vector control with no residual effects on the local environment. Laser Identification, Tracking, and Control (LITAC) is a system that utilizes a combination of optical sources and detectors, and sophisticated software to actively search, detect, and identify flying insects in real-time, with the capability of eradication using a lethal pulse of laser energy. Combined, these features create a new method of detection and control that is discriminating, effective, and economical. We present data on a very small insect that causes citrus greening disease and has a major impact on world-wide citrus production.

Technical Abstract: Flying insects are common vectors for transmission of pathogens and inflict significant harm on humans in large parts of the developing world. Besides the direct impact to humans, these pathogens also cause harm to crops and result in agricultural losses. Here, we present a laser-based system that can practically implement highly specific vector control with no residual effects on the local environment. Laser Identification, Tracking, and Control (LITAC) is a system that utilizes a combination of optical sources and detectors, and sophisticated software to actively search, detect, and identify flying insects in real-time, with the capability of eradication using a lethal pulse of laser energy. Combined, these features create a new method of detection and control that is discriminating, effective, and economical. We present data on Diaphorina citri due to this organism’s role as a vector of the causal agent Liberibacter asiaticus; this agent causes citrus greening disease and has a major impact on world-wide citrus production. To accurately assess the performance of the unit, experiments were conducted under laboratory conditions at the USDA Subtropical Agricultural Research Station, where D. citri are well established.