ARS | Publication request: I smell an invasive invader: Using portable gas spectrometry at ports of entry

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: May 4, 2012
Publication Date: July 24, 2012
Citation: Roda, A.L., Weihman, S., Al-Henaid, J., Kendra, P.E., Montgomery, W.S., Schnell, E.Q., Mosser, L. 2012. I smell an invasive invader: Using portable gas spectrometry at ports of entry. Meeting Abstract. 95th Annual Meeting of the Florida Entomological Society; Jupiter Beach, FL; 22-25 July 2012.

Interpretive Summary: Inspectors at ports of entry are faced with the daunting task of finding a visual sign of a pest or disease. Small insects, pests concealed inside plant material and plant diseases could 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. The applicability of the system was evaluated by inspectors at ports of entry.

Technical Abstract: Inspectors at ports of entry are faced with the daunting task of finding a visual sign of a pest or disease. Small insects, pests concealed inside plant material and plant diseases could 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. The applicability of the system was evaluated by inspectors at ports of entry.