John J Beck

Research Leader

John Beck is a research chemist with a B.Sc. (chemistry) from the University of California, Riverside and a Ph.D. (organic/natural products chemistry) from Colorado State University. Professional memberships include the Entomological Society of America (ESA) Plant-Insect Ecosystems section, the International Society of Chemical Ecology (ISCE), and the American Chemical Society Agrochemical Division (ACS AGRO). Prior to joining the ARS as a career employee in 2006, John was an Associate Professor of Chemistry. While his formal training was in organic chemistry and the isolation, characterization, and bioassay of natural products from terrestrial sources, his research now focuses on plant-, insect-, and microbial-emitted volatiles and their role as semiochemicals. His research has included discovering host plant-based attractants for the California insect pest, navel orangeworm utilizing electrophysiological (electroantennographic) and behavioral responses to select compounds or blends. As part of the USDA-ARS mission and the goals of his laboratory, John maintains collaborative research with other USDA agencies, external industry stakeholders, and academia, including the ARS Fruit and Tree Nut Research Unit it Byron, GA, University of Florida Entomology and Nematology Department, University of California Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology (Vannette laboratory), and the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe). Professional service includes serving as an Associate Editor for Pest Management Science, Phytochemistry, and Environmental Entomology (EE), and member of the Editorial Boards for Journal of Food and Agricultural Chemistry (JAFC) and Phytochemistry Letters (PCL).

Projects & Publications

• Projects

  Chemical Communications of Plants, Insects, Microbes, and Nematodes In-House Appropriated (D)   Accession Number:439278

  Regulation, Biosynthesis, and Function of Plant Chemical Defenses and their Role in Climate-Resilient Agriculture In-House Appropriated (D)   Accession Number:444364

• Publications

  • (Clicking on the reprint icon will take you to the publication reprint.)
  • Leaffooted bugs: insect pest species of growing concern for agriculture -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Broadhead, G.T., Cottrell, T.E., Beck, J.J. 2024. Leaffooted bugs: insect pest species of growing concern for agriculture. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jafc.3c06763.
    
  • Maize terpene synthase 1 impacts insect bahavoir via the production of monoterpene volatiles beta-myrcene and linalool -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Yactayo Chang, J.P., Broadhead, G.T., Housler, R.J., Resende, M., Verma, K., Louis, J., Basset, G.J., Beck, J.J., Block, A.K. 2023. Maize Terpene Synthase 1 impacts insect bahavoir via the production of monoterpene volatiles beta-myrcene and linalool. Phytochemistry. 218. Article 113957. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phytochem.2023.113957.
    
  • Blueberries infected with the fungal pathogen Colletotrichum fioriniae release odors that repel Drosophila suzukii -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Rering, C.C., Quadrel, A., Urbaneja-Bernat, P., Beck, J.J., Ben-Zvi, Y., Khodadadi, F., Rodriguez-Saona, C.R. 2023. Blueberries infected with the fungal pathogen Colletotrichum fioriniae release odors that repel Drosophila suzukii. Pest Management Science. 79(12):4906-4920. https://doi.org/10.1002/ps.7692.
    
  • Field evaluation of glutathione and glutamic acid as host marking pheromones for control of tephritid fruit flies in a mango orchard in Kenya -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Cheseto, X., Kirwa, H., Mohamed, S.A., Ekesi, S., Beck, J.J., Torto, B. 2022. Field evaluation of glutathione and glutamic acid as host marking pheromones for control of tephritid fruit flies in a mango orchard in Kenya. Pest Management Science. 97:1585-1592. https://doi.org/10.1002/ps.7331.
    
  • Early infestation volatile biomarkers of fruit fly Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) ovipositional activity in mango (Mangifera indica L.) -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Cheseto, X., Rering, C.C., Broadhead, G.T., Torto, B., Beck, J.J. 2022. Early infestation volatile biomarkers of fruit fly Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) ovipositional activity in mango (Mangifera indica L.). Phytochemistry. 206:113519. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phytochem.2022.113519.
    
  • Chemo-ecological insights into use of the non-host plant vegetable black-jack to protect two susceptible solanaceous crops from root knot nematode parasitism -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Kihika-Opanda, R., Tchouassi, D.P., Ng'Ang'A, M.M., Beck, J.J., Torto, B. 2022. Chemo-ecological insights into use of the non-host plant vegetable black-jack to protect two susceptible solanaceous crops from root knot nematode parasitism. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jafc.2c01748.
    
  • Identification of repellents from four non-host Asteraceae plants for the root knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Mwamba, S., Kihika-Opanda, R., Murungi, L.K., Losenge, T., Beck, J.J., Torto, B. 2021. Identification of repellents from four non-host Asteraceae plants for the root knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 69, 15145-15156. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jafc.1c06500.
    
  • Sampling of volatiles in closed systems: a controlled comparison of three solventless volatile collection methods -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Alborn, H.T., Bruton, R.G., Beck, J.J. 2021. Sampling of volatiles in closed systems: a controlled comparison of three solventless volatile collection methods. Journal of Chemical Ecology. 47:930-940. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10886-021-01306-6.
    
  • Zea mays volatiles that influence oviposition and feeding behaviors of Spodoptera frugiperda -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Yactayo Chang, J.P., Mendoza, J.S., Willms, S.D., Beck, J.J., Rering, C.C., Block, A.K. 2021. Zea mays volatiles that influence oviposition and feeding behaviors of Spodoptera frugiperda. Journal of Chemical Ecology. 47, 799-809. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10886-021-01302-w.
    
  • Pollen and yeast change nectar aroma and nutritional content alone and together, but honey bee foraging reflects only the avoidance of yeast -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Rering, C.C., Rudolph, A.B., Beck, J.J. 2021. Pollen and yeast change nectar aroma and nutritional content alone and together, but honey bee foraging reflects only the avoidance of yeast. Environmental Microbiology. 23(8):4141–4150. https://doi.org/10.1111/1462-2920.15528.
    
  • Generalized olfactory detection of floral volatiles in the highly specialized Greya-Lithophragma nursery pollination system -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Schiestl, F.P.; Wallin, E.A.; Beck, J.J.; Friberg, M.; Thompson, J.N. Generalized olfactory detection of floral volatiles in the highly specialized Greya lithophragma nursery pollination system. Arthropod Plant Interact. 2021, 15:209-221 https://doi.org/10.1007/s11829-021-09809-5
    
  • A comparison of collection methods for microbial volatiles -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Rering, C.C., Gaffke, A.M., Rudolph, A.B., Beck, J.J., Alborn, H.T. 2020. A comparison of collection methods for microbial volatiles. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems. 4:598967. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2020.598967.
    
  • Volatile microbial semiochemicals and insect perception at flowers -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Crowley-Gall, A.C., Rering, C.C., Rudolph, A.B., Vannette, R.L., Beck, J.J. 2020. Volatile microbial semiochemicals and insect perception at flowers. Current Opinion in Insect Science. 44:23-34. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cois.2020.10.004.
    
  • Compounds associated with infection by root-knot nematodes influence the ability of infective juveniles to recognize host plants -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Kihika, R.; Tchouassi, D.P.; Ng’ang’a, M.M.; Hall, D.R.; Beck, J.J.; Torto, B. Compounds associated with infection by root-knot nematodes influence the ability of infective juveniles to recognize host plants. J. Agric. Food Chem. 2020, 68, 9100-9109. doi.org/10.1021/acs.jafc.0c03386
    
  • Microbial co-occurrence in floral nectar affects metabolites and attractiveness to a generalist pollinator -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Rering, C.C.; Vannette, R.L.; Schaeffer, R.N.; Beck, J.J. Microbial co-occurrence in floral nectar affects metabolites and attractiveness to a generalist pollinator. J. Chem. Ecol. 2020, 46, 659-667. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10886-020-01169-3.
    
  • Traps and attractants for monitoring navel orangeworm (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) in the presence of mating disruption -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Burks, C.S., Higbee, B.S., Beck, J.J. 2020. Traps and attractants for monitoring navel orangeworm (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) in the presence of mating disruption. Journal of Economic Entomology. 113(3):1270-1278. https://doi.org/10.1093/jee/toz363.
    
  • Microbial metabolites elicit distinct olfactory and gustatory preferences in bumblebees -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Schaeffer, R.N., Rering, C.C., Maalouf, I., Beck, J.J., Vannette, R.L. 2019. Microbial metabolites elicit distinct olfactory and gustatory preferences in bumblebees. Biology Letters. 15(7):20190132. https://doi.org/10.1098/rsbl.2019.0132.
    
  • Guidelines for unequivocal structural identification of compounds with biological activity of significance in food chemistry (IUPAC Technical Report) -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Molyneux, R.J.; Beck, J.J.; Colegate, S.C.; Edgar, J.; Gaffield B.; Gilbert, J.; Hofmann, T.; McConnell, L.; Schieberle, P. Guidelines for unequivocal structural identification of compounds with biological activity of significance in food chemistry. Pure Appl. Chem. 2019, 91, 1417-1437. https://doi.org/10.1515/pac-2017-1204.
    
  • Volatile profile of Calycanthus occidentals seeds and evidence for a diverse range of semiochemicals for vespicochory by pestiferous Vespula pensylvanica-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Beck, J.J., Burge, D.O., Willms, S.D., Baig, N. 2019. Volatile profile of Calycanthus occidentals seeds and evidence for a diverse range of semiochemicals for vespicochory by pestiferous Vespula pensylvanica. Trends in Entomology. 15:15-22.
    
  • Dispersal of spicebush (Calycanthus occidentalis, Calycanthaceae) by yellow jackets (genus Vespula; Hymenoptera: Vespidae) -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Burge, D.O., Beck, J.J. 2019. Dispersal of spicebush (Calycanthus occidentalis, Calycanthaceae) by yellow jackets (genus Vespula; Hymenoptera: Vespidae). Madrono. 66(2):41-46. https://doi.org/10.3120/0024-9637-66.2.41.
    
  • Elicitation of differential responses in the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita to tomato root exudate cytokinin, flavonoids, and alkaloids -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Kirwa, H.K., Murungi, L.K., Beck, J.J., Torto, B. 2018. Elicitation of differential responses in the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita to tomato root exudate cytokinin, flavonoids, and alkaloids. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 66(43):11291-11300. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jafc.8b05101.
    
  • Identification of glutamic acid as a host marking pheromone of the African fruit fly species Ceratitis rosa (Diptera: Tephritidae) -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Cheseto, X., Kachigamba, D.L., Bendera, M., Ekesi, S., Ndung'U, M., Beck, J.J., Torto, B. 2018. Identification of glutamic acid as a host marking pheromone of the African fruit fly species Ceratitis rosa (Diptera: Tephritidae). Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 66(38):9933-9941. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jafc.8b04481.
    
  • Cucumber and tomato volatiles: influence on attraction in the melon fly Zeugodacus curcubitae (Diptera: Tephritidae) -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Njunguna, P.K., Murungi, L.K., Fombong, A., Teal, P.E., Beck, J.J., Torto, B. 2018. Cucumber and tomato volatiles: influence on attraction in the melon fly Zeugodacus curcubitae (Diptera: Tephritidae). Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 66:8504-8513. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jafc.8b03452.
    
  • Roles of natural products for biorational pesticides in agriculture -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Beck, J.J., Duke, S.O., Rering, C.C. 2018. Roles of natural products for biorational pesticides in agriculture. ACS Symposium Series. 1294:1-4. https://doi.org/10.1021/bk-2018-1294.ch001.
    
  • Coexistence and competition effects on nectar microbe metabolite emission and pollinator acceptance-(Abstract Only)
    Rering, C.C., Beck, J.J., Vannette, R.L., Schaeffer, R.N. 2018. Coexistence and competition effects on nectar microbe metabolite emission and pollinator acceptance. 256th American Chemical Society National Meeting. pg.1.
    
  • Drought-induced effects on buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) floral traits and honey bee visitation-(Abstract Only)
    Mallinger, R.E., Rering, C.C., Franco Jr, J.G., Beck, J.J. 2018. Drought-induced effects on buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) floral traits and honey bee visitation. 256th American Chemical Society National Meeting. pg.1.
    
  • Identification of Key Root Volatiles Signaling Preference of Tomato Over Spinach by the Root Knot Nematode Meloidogyne incognita -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Murungi, L.K., Kirwa, H., Coyne, D., Teal, P.E., Beck, J.J., Torto, B. 2018. Identification of Key Root Volatiles Signaling Preference of Tomato Over Spinach by the Root Knot Nematode Meloidogyne incognita. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 66:7328-7336. doi:10.1021/acs.jafc.8b03257.
    
  • Interactions among plants, insects, and microbes: elucidation of inter-organismal chemical communications in agricultural ecology -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Beck, J.J., Alborn, H.T., Block, A.K., Christensen, S.A., Hunter III, C.T., Rering, C.C., Seidl-Adams, I., Stuhl, C.J., Torto, B., Tumlinson, J.H. 2018. Interactions among plants, insects, and microbes: elucidation of inter-organismal chemical communications in agricultural ecology. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 66(26):6663-6674. doi:10.1021/acs.jafc.8b01763.
    
  • Investigating host plant-based semiochemicals for attracting the leaffooted bug (Hemiptera: Coreidae), an insect pest of California agriculture -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Beck, J.J., Gee, W.S., Cheng, L.W., Higbee, B.S., Wilson, H., Daane, K.M. 2018. Investigating host plant-based semiochemicals for attracting the leaffooted bug (Hemiptera: Coreidae), an insect pest of California agriculture. ACS Symposium Series. 1294:143-165. https://doi.org/10.1021/bk-2018-1294.ch011.
    
  • Quantitative assessment of nectar microbe-produced volatiles -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Rering, C.C., Beck, J.J., Vannette, R.L., Willms, S.D. 2018. Quantitative assessment of nectar microbe-produced volatiles. ACS Symposium Series. 1294:127-142. https://doi.org/10.1021/bk-2018-1294.ch010.
    
  • Comparison of monitoring techniques in and near almonds and pistachios under mating disruption treatment for navel orangeworm -(Proceedings)
    Burks, C.S., Higbee, B.S., Beck, J.J. 2018. Comparison of monitoring techniques in and near almonds and pistachios under mating disruption treatment for navel orangeworm. Acta Horticulturae. https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2018.1219.50.
    
  • Identification of the ubiquitous antioxidant tripeptide glutathione as a fruit fly semiochemical-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Cheseto, X., Kachigamba, D., Ekesi, S., Ndung'U, M., Teal, P.E., Beck, J.J., Torto, B. 2017. Identification of the ubiquitous antioxidant tripeptide glutathione as a fruit fly semiochemical. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. doi:10.1021/acs.jafc.7b03164.
    
  • Do volatiles produced by nectar-dwelling microbes affect honey bee preferences?-(Abstract Only)
    
    
  • Nectar-inhabiting microorganisms influence nectar volatile composition and attractiveness to a generalist pollinator -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Rering, C.C., Beck, J.J., Hall, G.W., Mccartney, M.M., Vannette, R.L. 2018. Nectar-inhabiting microorganisms influence nectar volatile composition and attractiveness to a generalist pollinator. New Phytologist. 220(3):750-759. doi:10.1111/nph.14809.
    
  • Application of mathematical models and computation in plant metabolomics-(Book / Chapter)
    Willett, D.S., Rering, C.C., Ardura, D.A., Beck, J.J. 2018. Application of mathematical models and computation in plant metabolomics. In Sarker, S.D., Lutfun, N., editors. Computational Phytochemistry. 1st edition. Netherlands, Amsterdam: Elsevier. p. 231-254.
    
  • Eavesdropping on plant-insect-microbe chemical communications in agricultural ecology: a virtual issue on semiochemicals-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Beck, J.J., Torto, B., Vannette, R.L. 2017. Eavesdropping on plant-insect-microbe chemical communications in agricultural ecology: a virtual issue on semiochemicals. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 65:5101-5103. doi:10.1021/acs.jafc.7b02741.
    
  • Silo-stored pistachios at varying humidity levels produce distinct volatile biomarkers-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Beck, J.J., Willett, D.S., Mahoney, N.E., Gee, W.S. 2016. Silo-stored pistachios at varying humidity levels produce distinct volatile biomarkers. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 65:551-556.
    
  • Differentiation of volatile profiles of stockpiled almonds at varying relative humidity levels using benchtop and portable GC-MS -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Beck, J.J., Willett, D.S., Gee, W.S., Mahoney, N.E., Higbee, B.S. 2016. Differentiation of volatile profiles of stockpiled almonds at varying relative humidity levels using benchtop and portable GC-MS. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 64:9286-9292. doi: 10.1021/acs.jafc.6b04220.
    
  • Harnessing insect-microbe chemical communications to control insect pest of agricultural systems-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Beck, J.J., Vannette, R.L. 2016. Harnessing insect-microbe chemical communications to control insect pest of agricultural systems. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 65:23-28.
    
  • Plant-microbe relationship that influences an insect pest of Califronia tree nuts-(Abstract Only)
    
    
  • Regulation of aflatoxin biosynthesis and branched-chain amino acids metabolism in Aspergillus flavus by 2-phenylethanol reveal biocontrol mechanism of Pichia anomala-(Abstract Only)
    Hua, S.T., Chang, P., Beck, J.J., Li, R.W. 2016. Regulation of aflatoxin biosynthesis and branched-chain amino acids metabolism in Aspergillus flavus by 2-phenylethanol reveal biocontrol mechanism of Pichia anomala. Meeting Abstract. https://pag.confex.com/pag/xxiv/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/21990.
    
  • Duration of emission of volatile organic compounds from mechanically damaged plant leaves-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Smith, L., Beck, J.J. 2015. Duration of emission of volatile organic compounds from mechanically damaged plant leaves. Journal of Plant Physiology. 188, 19-28.
    
  • Plant or fungal-produced conophthorin as an important component of host plant volatile-based attractants for agricultural lepidopteran insect pests-(Book / Chapter)
    Beck, J.J., Higbee, B.S. 2015. Plant or fungal-produced conophthorin as an important component of host plant volatile-based attractants for agricultural lepidopteran insect pests. In: Maienfisch, P., Stevenson, T., editors. Discovery and Synthesis of Crop Protection Products. Washington, DC: Oxford University Press. p. 111-127.
    
  • Yellow Starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis) volatile composition under elevated temperature and CO2 in the field-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Oster, M., Beck, J.J., Furrow, R., Yeung, K., Field, C.B. 2015. Yellow Starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis) volatile composition under elevated temperature and CO2 in the field. Chemoecology. 25(6):313-323.
    
  • In-field volatile collection and analysis method utilizing a portable GC-MS: in situ headspace analysis of intact and damaged yellow starthistle flower heads -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Beck, J.J., Porter, N., Cook, D., Griffith, C., Gee, W.S., Rands, A.D., Truong, T.V., Smith, L., San Roman, I. 2015. In-field volatile collection and analysis method utilizing a portable GC-MS: in situ headspace analysis of intact and damaged yellow starthistle flower heads. Phytochemical Analysis. 26:395-403.
    
  • Comparison of ex-situ volatile emissions from intact and mechanically damaged walnuts -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    San Roman, I., Bartolome, L., Gee, W.S., Beck, J.J., Alonso, R.M. 2015. Comparison of ex-situ volatile emissions from intact and mechanically damaged walnuts. Food Research International. 72:198-207.
    
  • Semiochemicals from ex situ abiotically stressed cactus tissue: a contributing role of fungal spores -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Beck, J.J., Cook, D., Baig, N., Mahoney, N.E., Marsico, T.D. 2014. Semiochemicals from ex situ abiotically stressed cactus tissue: a contributing role of fungal spores. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 62(51):12273-12276.
    
  • Electrophysiological responses of male and female Amyelois transitella antennae to pistachio and almond host plant volatiles -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Beck, J.J., Light, D.M., Gee, W.S. 2014. Electrophysiological responses of male and female Amyelois transitella antennae to pistachio and almond host plant volatiles. Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata. 153(3):217-230. doi: 10.111/EEA.12243.
    
  • Orientation behavior of predaceous ground beetle species in response to volatile emissions from yellow starthistle damaged by an invasive slug-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Oster, M., Smith, L., Beck, J.J., Howard, A., Field, C.B. 2014. Orientation behavior of predaceous ground beetle species in response to volatile emissions from yellow starthistle damaged by an invasive slug. Arthropod-Plant Interactions. 8:429-437.
    
  • Semiochemicals to monitor insect pests – future opportunities for an effective host plant volatile blend to attract navel orangeworm in pistachio orchards-(Book / Chapter)
    Beck, J.J., Mahoney, N.E., Gee, W.S., Higbee, B.S., Baig, N., Griffith, C.M. 2014. Semiochemicals to monitor insect pests – future opportunities for an effective host plant volatile blend to attract navel orangeworm in pistachio orchards. American Chemical Society. p. 191-210. doi: 10.1021/BK-2014-1172.CH014.
    
  • Comparison of the volatile emission profiles of ground almond and pistachio mummies: part 1 – addressing a gap in knowledge of current attractants of navel orangeworm -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Beck, J.J., Mahoney, N.E., Cook, D., Gee, W.S., Baig, N. 2014. Comparison of the volatile emission profiles of ground almond and pistachio mummies: part 1 – addressing a gap in knowledge of current attractants of navel orangeworm. Phytochemistry Letters. 9:102-106. DOI.10.1016/j.phytol.2014.04.010.
    
  • The major volatile compound 2-phenylethanol from the biocontrol yeast Pichia anomala inhibits growth and expression of aflatoxin biosynthetic genes of Aspergillus flavus -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Hua, S.T., Beck, J.J., Sarreal, S.L., Gee, W.S. 2014. The major volatile compound 2-phenylethanol from the biocontrol yeast Pichia anomala inhibits growth and expression of aflatoxin biosynthetic genes of Aspergillus flavus. Mycotoxin Research. 30(2):71-78. doi: 10.1007/s12550-014-0189-Z.
    
  • Comparison of the volatile emission profiles of ground almond and pistachio mummies: part 2 - critical changes in emission profiles as a result of increasing the water activity -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Beck, J.J., Mahoney, N.E., Cook, D., Higbee, B.S., Light, D.M., Gee, W.S., Baig, N. 2014. Comparison of the volatile emission profiles of ground almond and pistachio mummies: part 2 - critical changes in emission profiles as a result of increasing the water activity. Phytochemistry Letters. 8:220-225. DOI: org/10.1016/j.phytol.2014.01.004.
    
  • An overview of plant volatile metabolomics, sample treatment, and reporting considerations with emphasis on mechanical damage and biological control of weeds-(Review Article)
    Beck, J.J., Smith, L., Baig, N. 2014. An overview of plant volatile metabolomics, sample treatment, and reporting considerations with emphasis on mechanical damage and biological control of weeds. Phytochemical Analysis. 25(4):331-341.
    
  • Pest management with natural products -(Book / Chapter)
    In: Koivunen, M.E., Duke, S.O., Coats, J.R., Beck, J.J. 2013. Pest management with natural products. In: Beck, J.J., Coats, J.R., Duke, S.O., Koivunem, M.E., editors. Pest Management with Natural Products, ACS Symposium Series, vol. 1141. Washington, D.C.: American Chemical Society. p. 1-4. DOI: 10.102/bk-2013-1141.ch001.
    
  • Effect of mechanical damage on emission of volatile organic compounds from plant leaves and implications for evaluation of host plant specificity of prospective biological control agents of weeds-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Smith, L., Beck, J.J. 2013. Effect of mechanical damage on emission of volatile organic compounds from plant leaves and implications for evaluation of host plant specificity of prospective biological control agents of weeds. Biocontrol Science and Technology. 23(8):880-907.
    
  • Volatile natural products for monitoring the California tree nut insect pest Amyelois transitella -(Book / Chapter)
    Beck, J.J., Higbee, B.S. 2013. Volatile natural products for monitoring the California tree nut insect pest Amyelois transitella. In: Beck, J.J., Coats, J.R., Duke, S.O., Koivunen, M.E., editors. Pest management with natural products, ACS Symposium Series, vol. 1141. Washington, D.C.: American Chemical Society. p. 59-72. DOI: 10.102/bk-2013-1141.ch005.
    
  • Conophthorin from almond host plant and fungal spores and its ecological relation to navel orangeworm: a natural products chemist's perspective -(Review Article)
    Beck, J.J. 2013. Conophthorin from almond host plant and fungal spores and its ecological relation to navel orangeworm: a natural products chemist's perspective. Journal of the Mexican Chemical Society. 57(1):69-72.
    
  • Ex situ volatile survey of ground almond and pistachio hulls for emission of spiroketals: Analysis of hull fatty acid composition, water content, and water activity -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Mahoney, N.E., Gee, W.S., Higbee, B.S., Beck, J.J. 2013. Ex situ volatile survey of ground almond and pistachio hulls for emission of spiroketals: Analysis of hull fatty acid composition, water content, and water activity. Phytochemistry Letters. 7:225-230.
    
  • Headspace volatiles from 52 oak species advertise induction, species identity, and evolution, but not defense-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Pearse, I.S., Gee, W.S., Beck, J.J. 2012. Headspace volatiles from 52 oak species advertise induction, species identity, and evolution, but not defense. Journal of Chemical Ecology. 39(1):90-100.
    
  • Generation of the volatile spiroketals conophthorin and chalcogran by fungal spores on polyunsaturated fatty acids common to almonds and pistachios-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Beck, J.J., Mahoney, N.E., Gee, W.S., Cook, D. 2012. Generation of the volatile spiroketals conophthorin and chalcogran by fungal spores on polyunsaturated fatty acids common to almonds and pistachios. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 60(48):11869-11876.
    
  • Hull split and damaged almond volatiles attract male and female navel orangeworm moths-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Beck, J.J., Higbee, B.S., Gee, W.S., Merrill, G.B., Hayashi, J.M., Light, D.M. 2012. Hull split and damaged almond volatiles attract male and female navel orangeworm moths. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 60(33):8090-8096.
    
  • Behavior of codling moth (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)neonate larvae on surfaces treated with microencapsulated pear ester-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Light, D.M., Beck, J.J. 2012. Behavior of codling moth (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)neonate larvae on surfaces treated with microencapsulated pear ester. Environmental Entomology. 41(3):603-611.
    
  • Addressing the complexity and diversity of agricultural plant volatiles: a call for the integration of laboratory- and field-based analyses-(Review Article)
    Beck, J.J. 2012. Addressing the complexity and diversity of agricultural plant volatiles: a call for the integration of laboratory- and field-based analyses. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 60(5):1153-1157.
    
  • Electroantennographic bioassay as a screening tool for host plant volatiles-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Gee, W.S., Light, D.M., Beck, J.J. 2012. Electroantennogram bioassay as a screening tool for host plant volatiles. Journal of Visualized Experiments. 63:e3931.
    
  • Relationships of host plant phylogeny, chemistry and host plant specificity of several agents of yellow starthistle-(Abstract Only)
    
    
  • Volatiles emissions from the flea beetle Altica litigata (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) associated with invasive Ludwigia hexapetala -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Carruthers, R.I., Franc, M.K., Gee, W.S., Cosse, A.A., Grewell, B.J., Beck, J.J. 2011. Volatiles emissions from the flea beetle Altica litigata (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) associated with invasive Ludwigia hexapetala. Chemoecology. 21(4):253-259. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00049-011-0090-6 .
    
  • Isolation by ion-exchange methods. In Sarker S.D. (ed) Natural Products Isolation, 3rd edition-(Book / Chapter)
    Dragull, K.D., Beck, J.J. 2012. Isolation by ion-exchange methods. In Sarker S.D.; Lutfun, N. (eds) Natural Products Isolation, 3rd edition. New Jersey: The Humana Press Inc. Vol. 864:p.189-219.
    
  • Volatile analysis of ground almonds contaminated with naturally occurring fungi-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Beck, J.J., Mahoney, N.E., Cook, D., Gee, W.S. 2011. Volatile analysis of ground almonds contaminated with naturally occurring fungi. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 59(11):6180-6187.
    
  • Ambient orchard volatiles from California almonds-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Beck, J.J., Higbee, B.S., Gee, W.S., Dragull, K.D. 2011. Ambient orchard volatiles from California almonds. Phytochemistry Letters. 4(2):199-202.
    
  • Detection of high levels of pyrrolizidine-N-oxides in the endangered plant cryptantha crassipes (Terlingua creek cat's-eye)using HPLC-ESI-MS-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Williams, M.T., Warnock, B.J., Betz, J.M., Beck, J.J., Gardner, D.R., Lee, S.T., Molyneux, R.J., Colegate, S.M. 2011. Detection of high levels of pyrrolizidine-N-oxides in the endangered plant cryptantha crassipes (Terlingua creek cat's-eye)using HPLC-ESI-MS. Phytochemical Analysis. 22(3): 532-540
    
  • Survey of ex situ fruit and leaf volatiles from several Pistacia cultivars grown in California-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Roitman, J.N., Merrill, G.B., Beck, J.J. 2011. Survey of ex situ fruit and leaf volatiles from several Pistacia cultivars grown in California. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture. 91(5):934-942.
    
  • Almond & Pistachio Volatiles: Semiochemicals for the Navel Orangeworm?-(Abstract Only)
    
    
  • Characterization of microencapsulated pear ester, (2E,4Z)-ethyl-2,4-decadienoate: a kairomonal spray-adjuvant against neonate codling moth larvae-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Light, D.M., Beck, J.J. 2010. Characterization of microencapsulated pear ester, (2E,4Z)-ethyl-2,4-decadienoate: a kairomonal spray-adjuvant against neonate codling moth larvae. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 58(13):7838-7845.
    
  • Non-pheromonal control of navel orangeworm as a promising method toward decreasing contamination of Aspergillus flavus in California tree nuts-(Abstract Only)
    Beck, J.J., Light, D.M., Higbee, B.S., Dragull, K.D., Merrill, G.B., Gee, W.S. 2010. Non-pheromonal control of navel orangeworm as a promising method toward decreasing contamination of Aspergillus flavus in California tree nuts. American Chemical Society Abstracts.
    
  • Letter to the Editor: Styrene-producing microbes in food-stuff-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Beck, J.J. 2010. Letter to the Editor: Styrene-producing microbes in food-stuff. Journal of Food Science. 75(1):X.
    
  • Essential oil yield and composition of Pistacia vera "Kerman" fruits, peduncles, and leaves grown in California-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Dragull, K.D., Beck, J.J., Merrill, G.B. 2010. Essential oil yield and composition of Pistacia vera "Kerman" fruits, peduncles, and leaves grown in California. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture. 90(4):664-668.
    
  • Developing ambient almond orchard volatile mixtures for navel orangeworm (NOW) monitoring-(Abstract Only)
    Beck, J.J., Higbee, B.S., Light, D.M., Dragull, K.D., Merrill, G.B., Gee, W.S. 2009. Developing ambient almond orchard volatile mixtures for navel orangeworm (NOW) monitoring. Almond Board of California.
    
  • In Situ Seasonal Study of the Volatile Production of Almonds (Prunus dulcis), var. 'Nonpareil' and Relationship to Navel Orangeworm-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Beck, J.J., Merrill, G.B., Higbee, B.S., Light, D.M., Gee, W.S. 2009. In Situ Seasonal Study of the Volatile Production of Almonds (Prunus dulcis), var. 'Nonpareil' and Relationship to Navel Orangeworm. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 57(9):3749-3753.
    
  • Ambient almond volatiles from geographically different orchards and their relationship to navel orangeworm-(Proceedings)
    
    
  • In situ volatiles from a single cultivar of Prunus dulcis and their relationship to navel orangeworm-(Proceedings)
    
    
  • Non-pheromonal Volatiles Towards Control of Navel Orangeworm-(Proceedings)
    Beck, J.J., Merrill, G.B., Higbee, B.S., Light, D.M., Gee, W.S., Dragull, K.D. 2009. Non-pheromonal Volatiles Towards Control of Navel Orangeworm. Gordon Research Conference Proceedings.
    
  • Collection of ambient pistachio volatiles to develop a synthetic, non-pheromonal background blend for monitoring of navel orangeworm-(Abstract Only)
    Beck, J.J. 2009. Collection of ambient pistachio volatiles to develop a synthetic, non-pheromonal background blend for monitoring of navel orangeworm. Meeting Proceedings.
    
  • Ambient orchard and on-tree volatile collection system for monitoring and detection of attractants for navel orangeworm-(Abstract Only)
    Beck, J.J. 2009. Ambient orchard and on-tree volatile collection system for monitoring and detection of attractants for navel orangeworm. Meeting Proceedings.
    
  • An in situ, seasonal study of volatiles from a single cultivar of Prunus dulcis, and their relationship to navel orangeworm moth-(Abstract Only)
    Beck, J.J., Merrill, G.B., Gee, W.S., Higbee, B.S., Light, D.M. 2009. An in situ, seasonal study of volatiles from a single cultivar of Prunus dulcis, and their relationship to navel orangeworm moth. American Chemical Society National Meeting.
    
  • Developing Ambient Almond Orchard Volatile Mixtures for NOW Bioassay Analyses-(Abstract Only)
    Beck, J.J., Merrill, G.B., Higbee, B.S., Light, D.M., Gee, W.S. 2008. Developing Ambient Almond Orchard Volatile Mixtures for NOW Bioassay Analyses. Almond Board of California.
    
  • Strain of Fusarium oxysporum Isolated From Almond Hulls Produces Styrene and 7-Methyl-1,3,5-Cyclooctatriene as the Principal Volatile Components-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Beck, J.J., Merrill, G.B., Palumbo, J.D., O Keeffe, T.L. 2008. Strain of Fusarium Oxysporum Isolated From Almond Hulls Produces Styrene and 7-Methyl-1,3,5-Cyclooctatriene as the Principal Volatile Components. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 56(23):11392-11398.
    
  • In Situ Volatile Collection, Analysis, and Comparison of Three Centaurea Species and Their Relation to Biocontrol with Herbivorous Insects-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Beck, J.J., Smith, L., Merrill, G.B. 2008. In Situ Volatile Collection, Analysis, and Comparison of Three Centaurea Species and Their Relation to Biocontrol with Herbivorous Insects. Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry.56(8):2759-2764.
    
  • Allelochemical phenolic acids from Gypsophila paniculata-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Chou, S., Everngam, M.C., Beck, J.J. 2008. Allelochemical phenolic acids from Gypsophila paniculata. Journal of Undergraduate Chemistry Research.7(2):40-42.
    
  • Comparison of volatile emissions from undamaged and mechanically damaged almonds-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Beck, J.J., Higbee,B.S., Merrill, G.B., Roitman, J.N. 2008. Comparison of volatile emissions from undamaged and mechanically damaged almonds. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture.88(8):1363-1368
    
  • Pursuit of a Kairomonal Lure for Navel Orangeworm-(Abstract Only)
    Light, D.M., Beck, J.J., Merrill, G.B., Higbee, B. 2008. Pursuit of a Kairomonal Lure for Navel Orangeworm. Western Orchard Pest and Disease Management Conference.
    
  • Volatile Emission of Mechanically Damaged Almonds: An Old and New Method of Investigation to Determine Potential NOW Attractants-(Abstract Only)
    Beck, J.J., Merrill, G.B., Higbee, B.S., Gee, W.S., Light, D.M., Roitman, J.N., Bettiga, J. 2007. Volatile Emission of Mechanically Damaged Almonds: An Old and New Method of Investigation to Determine Potential NOW Attractants. Multicrop Aflatoxin and Fumonisin Elimination and Fungal Genomics Workshop-The Peanut Foundation.
    
  • Complete Proton and Carbon Assignment of Triclosan via One- and Two- Dimensional Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Analysis-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Wilson, K.A., Beck, J.J. 2007. Complete Proton and Carbon Assignment of Triclosan via One- and Two- Dimensional Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Analysis. The Chemical Educator.12(5):338-342
    
  • Fungicidal Activities of Dihydroferulic Acid Alkyl Ester Analogues-(Abstract Only)
    Beck, J.J., Kim, J.H., Campbell, B.C., Chou, S. 2007. Fungicidal Activities of Dihydroferulic Acid Alkyl Ester Analogues. American Society of Pharmacognosy. Meeting Abstract.
    
  • Volatile Emission of Mechanically Damaged Almonds-(Abstract Only)
    Beck, J.J., Merrill, G.B., Higbee, B.S. 2007. Volatile Emission of Mechanically Damaged Almonds. American Society of Pharmacognosy.
    
  • On-Plant Volatile Analysis Utilizing Solid-Phase Microextraction and a New Volatile Collection Technique-(Abstract Only)
    Beck, J.J., Merrill, G.B., Higbee, B.S. 2007. On-Plant Volatile Analysis Utilizing Solid-Phase Microextraction and a New Volatile Collection Technique. American Society of Pharmacognosy. Meeting Abstract.
    
  • Fungicidal Activities of Dihydroferulic Acid Alkyl Ester Analogs-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Beck, J.J., Kim, J.H., Campbell, B.C., Chou, S. 2007. Fungicidal Activities of Dihydroferulic Acid Alkyl Ester Analogs. Journal of Natural Products. 70(5):779-782.
    
  • The Structural Diversity of Phthalides from the Apiaceae-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
    Beck, J.J., Chou, S. 2007. The Structural Diversity of Phthalides from the Apiaceae. Journal of Natural Products. 70(5):891-900.