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Agricultural Research Service United States Department of Agriculture
 
Research Project: PROTECTION OF SUBTROPICAL AND TROPICAL AGRICULTURE COMMODITIES AND ORNAMENTALS FROM EXOTIC INSECTS

Location: Subtropical Horticulture Research

Title: Signature Chemicals for Detection of Hidden Insect Infestation

Authors
item Kendra, Paul
item Roda, A - USDA APHIS PPQ
item Montgomery, Wayne
item Schnell, Elena
item Vazquez, Aime
item Weihman, S - USDA AHIS PPQ
item Halitschke, R - CORNELL UNIVERISITY
item Epsky, Nancy
item Heath, Robert

Submitted to: Florida Entomological Society Annual Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: May 21, 2008
Publication Date: July 14, 2008
Citation: Kendra, P.E., Roda, A.L., Montgomery, W.S., Schnell, E.Q., Vazquez, A., Weihman, S.W., Halitschke, R., Epsky, N.D., Heath, R.R. 2008. Signature Chemicals for Detection of Hidden Insect Infestation. Florida Entomological Society Annual Meeting.

Technical Abstract: Tephritid fruit flies are major pests worldwide, but infestation is difficult to detect since the larval stages are concealed within host fruits. Using grapefruit infested with the Caribbean fruit fly, we evaluated gas chromatography (GC) as a tool for detection of hidden infestation. We found several GC peaks potentially diagnostic for larval-infested citrus. If infested commodities consistently release unique chemical profiles, this "signature" may provide the basis for rapid, sensitive screening protocols.

     
Last Modified: 06/19/2013