Progress 09/01/10 to 02/28/15
Outputs
Target Audience: Research and outreach efforts conducted during the current reporting period were made to nursery growers in the U.S. to reduce nursery crop losses; to lower production costs through targeted use and reduced application of pesticides thus requiring less chemicals, labor, and energy; and by improving the sustainability of the farming process through the acquisition of rapid and timely information on pest populations. Changes/Problems: Captured ambrosia beetles in traps did not fly, but walked occasionally. Due to weak characteristic signals from walking, identification of insects was also conducted by developing antibodies from beetles' signature proteins. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Training efforts conducted during the current reporting period were made to the horticulture industry, i.e. nursery managers and technical staffs in Alabama and Ohio through grower meetings. Specifically, direct contact and collaborations were had with growers or owners of 3AM Growers, Tallassee AL; Hunter Tree Farm, Alpine AL; Geneva County Tree Farm, Geneva, AL; Green Valley Growers, Montevallo, AL; TSU Nursery Research Center, McMinnville, TN; Willoway Nursery, Avon, OH; and Sunleaf Nursery, Madison OH. Nursery growers and relevant scientists/professionals are also designed to share research progress through electronic resources including project website, Facebook, and Twitter. Professional development activities include participation in conferences such as Gulf States Hort Expo, Mobile Field Station Field Day, Entomological Society of America, Materials Research Society, and Electrochemical Society, Electrochemical Society Meeting, SPIE, Materials ResearchSocietyand Annual meeting of the Entomological Society of America. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? We have developed the project website (http://www.ag.auburn.edu/enpl/directory/faculty/held/ambrosia/index.php), Facebook (Xylosandrus Research Team Auburn, AL) and Twitter (#AmbrosiaAL). Dissemination of research results were presented in the following meeting and conferences; Gulf States Hort Expo, Mobile Field Station Field Day, Entomological Society of America, SPIE, Materials Research Society, and Electrochemical Society. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
We have develop the SMART trap that can attract, capture, and identify the specific presence of destructive Asian ambrosia beetles. Rapid identification of the destructive Asian ambrosia beetles through the engineered trap could reduce crop losses up to 35%, which could correspond to $15.8 million in ornamental nursery products of North America. The use of the SMART trap also reduced the number of insecticide applications by 11 to 33% depending on the region and weather conditions. Average insecticide cost for application and chemicals per each acre on ornamental nurseries is $950 and average of 18 applications per year. Installing of the traps raises operation cost by $1,200 per acre, but lowered cost up to $6,000 per acre is estimated because ofrequiring less chemicals and labor. Therefore, grower could lower about 8% of crop cost by application of the engineered trap, which could have an economic benefit of $11 million per year. Evolution of this technology toother pests could translate to a positive economic impact of $530 million per year. Environmental benefits and sustainable agriculture are improved by better management with fewer pesticide applications and more effective monitoring tools. The highlights of major accomplishments in this project are as follows: Attractants for Asian ambrosia beetles were investigated and increased capture of the X. crassiusculus was obtained using green LED and conopthorin/ethanol combination. The results provide a useful method to boost capturing of ambrosia beetles. The behaviors of captured ambrosia beetles was analyzed in terms of sound signals corresponding to characteristic walking, crawling or wing beat frequencies for the pest species. It was found that ambrosia beetles in traps only generate sound corresponding to the walking of C. mutilates, X. germanus, and C. mutilates. The sound frequencies were around 10 - 15 Hz, which is below the limit of human hearing. For selective detection of a particular species, signature proteins can be identified by a strip-type ELISA test method or a magnetically-driven resonant biosensor. The protein patterns from each beetle species (X. crassiusculus, C. mutilatus, X. germanus, and X. compactus) were obtained by overlaying each gel with a transparency sheet for labeling polypeptide spot differences without marking the original gel. The protein patterns from each beetle species was compared and the peptide sequences were used to generate the antibodies. Approach to use a tool similar to a pregnancy test kit as well as a resonant biosensor was demonstrated for identification of our four species in a trap sample of mixed insects. SMART trap was designed and built by including a vertical array of LED lights, volatile attractant dispenser, a rechargeable battery, a solar cell panel, an insect collector, mesh to filter larger insects, sensors for insects and environment monitoring, and a wireless communication unit. A counter sensor based on IR with multiple pairs and a signal processing device were built to monitor insects accurately without false signals. Capture time and date is stored in microSD card for wireless interrogation. Wireless communication system was developed to receive signals from multiple traps. A wireless receiver located in growers' office collects sensing signals regarding insects and environment conditions, and the receiver then records data in microSD cards. The stored data can be always accessible by internet. More than 50 traps were deployed in nurseries for statistical data. Variables include the combination of attractant types, trap color, and three locations (Alabama, Tennessee, and Ohio). Behaviors of ambrosia beetles from capture frequency vs environment conditions were observed, for examples, darker silhouette color in a trip presented improving capture efficiency, the number of captured beetles increased before raining days, the decreased number of captured beetles on a windy day.
Publications
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Progress 09/01/13 to 08/31/14
Outputs
Target Audience: Research and outreach efforts conducted during the current reporting period were made to nursery growers in the U.S. to reduce nursery crop losses; to lower production costs through targeted use and reduced application of pesticides thus requiring less chemicals, labor, and energy; and by improving the sustainability of the farming process through the acquisition of rapid and timely information on pest populations. Changes/Problems: SMART traps were deployed in Tennessee area to gather data including three different regions such as Alabama, Tennessee, and Ohio. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Training efforts conducted during the current reporting period were made to the horticulture industry, i.e. nursery managers and technical staffs in Alabama and Ohio through grower meetings. Specifically, direct contact and collaborations were had with growers or owners of 3AM Growers, Tallassee AL; Hunter Tree Farm, Alpine AL; Geneva County Tree Farm, Geneva, AL; Green Valley Growers, Montevallo, AL; TSU Nursery Research Center, McMinnville, TN; Willoway Nursery, Avon, OH; and Sunleaf Nursery, Madison OH. Nursery growers and relevant scientists/professionals are also designed to share research progress through electronic resources including project website, Facebook, and Twitter. Professional development activities include participation in conferences such as Gulf States Hort Expo, Mobile Field Station Field Day, Entomological Society of America, Materials Research Society, and Electrochemical Society, Electrochemical Society Meeting, SPIE, and Annual meeting of the Entomological Society of America. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? As further effort to deliver science-based knowledge to people, we have developed the project website (http://www.ag.auburn.edu/enpl/directory/faculty/held/ambrosia/index.php), Facebook (Xylosandrus Research Team Auburn, AL) and Twitter (#AmbrosiaAL). Dissemination of research results were presented in the following meeting and conferences; Gulf States Hort Expo, Mobile Field Station Field Day, Entomological Society of America, SPIE, and Electrochemical Society. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Findings obtained so far are being used to refine and improve the design of the SMART trap for deployment at nurseries in three states such as Alabama, Tennessee, and Ohio. Total 54 SMART and reference traps were deployed as field test. The design of a vertical array of LED lights, volatile attractant dispenser, a rechargeable battery compartment, an insect collector and mesh to filter larger insects was revised to provide easy replacement for convenient maintenance of growers. A counter sensor and a signal processing device were greatly improved by installing pairs of counter sensors to detect insects entering into the traps. Multiple sensors and logic program were able to monitor insects accurately without false signals. Capture time and date is stored in microSD card for wireless communication. Wireless communication system was developed to receive signals from multiple traps. A wireless receiver located in growers' office collects sensing signals regarding insects and environment conditions, and the receiver then records data in microSD cards. The stored data can be always accessible by internet. For selective detection of a particular species, signature proteins can be identified by a strip-type ELISA test method or a magnetically-driven resonant biosensor.The protein patterns from each beetle species (X. crassiusculus, C. mutilatus, X. germanus, and X.compactus) were obtained by overlaying each gel with a transparency sheet for labeling polypeptide spot differences without marking the original gel. The protein patterns from each beetle species was compared and the peptide sequences were used to generate the antibodies. Approach to use a tool similar to a pregnancy test kit as well as a resonant biosensor was demonstrated for identification of our four species in a trap sample of mixed insects.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
A. M. Gorzlancyk, D. W. Held, C. M. Ranger, Z. Barwary, and D.-J. Kim. 2014. Capture of Cnestus mutilatus, Xylosandrus crassiusculus, and Other Scolytinae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in Response to Green Light Emitting Diodes, Ethanol, and Conophthorin. Florida Entomologist, Vol. 97 (1), pp.301-303 (2014)
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
H. Park, H. Ahn, S.-B. Kim, J. Jeong, D. W. Held, and D.-J. Kim, Electrochemical Synthesis of Amorphous Fe-B Alloys for Magnetostrictive Resonant Sensor, ECS Solid State Letters, 3(1), P1-P3 (2014)
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
H. Park, A. Gorziancyk, D. W. Held, and D.-J. Kim, Monitoring and Identification of Asian Ambrosia Beetles via a Smart Trap, 99th Annual Meeting of the Southeastern Branch of the ASM, Auburn, AL (2013)
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
D.-J. Kim, H. Park, E. Lee, Y. Chung, S. H. Lee, H. Ahn, and Y. S. Yoon, Electronic nose fabricated from nanocomposite oxides for agriculture applications, 2015 SPIE Sensing Technology and Applications, Baltimore, MD (2015)
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Progress 09/01/12 to 08/31/13
Outputs
Target Audience: Research and outreach efforts conducted during the current reporting period were made to nursery growers in the U.S. to reduce nursery crop losses; to lower production costs through targeted use and reduced application of pesticides thus requiring less chemicals, labor, and energy; and by improving the sustainability of the farming process through the acquisition of rapid and timely information on pest populations. Changes/Problems: When ambrosia beetles were captured in traps, they did not fly, but walked occasionally. Mixed sounds originating from captured insects’ chewing, walking and scratching activities in a trap are likely to limit accurate identification of insects. Extraction of signature proteins, is therefore emphasized during this project period for identifying ambrosia beetles. The data regarding incoming insects to a trap was stored by a counter sensor. The installed sensor records the capture time and date of an insect, its size, and environment temperature. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Trainingefforts conducted during the current reporting period were made to the horticulture industry, i.e. nursery managers and technical staffs in Alabama and Ohio through grower meetings. Specifically, direct contact and collaborations were had with growers or owners of 3AM Growers, Tallassee AL; Hunter Tree Farm, Alpine AL; Geneva County Tree Farm, Geneva, AL; Green Valley Growers, Montevallo, AL; Willoway Nursery, Avon, OH; and Sunleaf Nursery, Madison OH. Nursery growers and relevant scientists/professionals are also designed to share research progress through electronic resources including theproject website, Facebook, and Twitter. Professional development activities include participation in conferences such as the Electrochemical Society Meeting, Materials Research Society Symposium, and Annual meeting of the Entomological Society of America. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? As further effort to deliver science-based knowledge to people, we have developed the project website (http://www.ag.auburn.edu/enpl/directory/faculty/held/ambrosia/index.php), Facebook (Xylosandrus Research Team Auburn, AL) and Twitter (#AmbrosiaAL). Dissemination of research results were presented in the following meeting and conferences; Gulf States Hort Expo, Mobile Field Station Field Day, Entomological Society of America, Materials Research Society, and Electrochemical Society. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? The engineered SMART trap will be deployed in Ohio and Alabama. Deployment of the trap will result in 1) record and analysis of flight period compared to standard, 2) statistical data on number of trees attacked, number of attacks per tree, and 3) economic analysis. The functions of the trap will be advanced by improving sensor functions and programming. Wireless communication of stored data will be implemented. The color of trap will be revised to be a darker silhouette for improving capture efficiency. The protein sequences for our four beetles species, i.e. X. germanus, X. crassiusculus, C. multilatus, X. compactus will be used to generate the antibodies. An antibody antigen reaction is the goal of this line of experiments. Once completed, we will have a tool similar to a pregnancy test kit that will be field tested for sensitivity of identification of our four species in a trap sample of mixed insects. Magnetoelastic nanosensors will also be applied as a biosensor template.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Findings obtained so far are being used to refine and improve the design of the SMART trap for deployment at nurseries in the spring. The ethanol/conopthorin combination and LED was continuously used to boost capturing of ambrosia beetles with less non-target beetles. The improved SMART trap possesses a counter sensor, a signal process chip, and storage unit with previously installed units including solar module supplies, a vertical array of LED lights, volatile attractant dispenser, mesh to filter larger insects, and timer for LED. The field test data of insect capture, temperature, and time showed captures followed warm peak of the day. The results indicate that backlighting at sunset may enhance the silhouette of trees on the horizon (similar attraction to silhouette is recently reported with redbay ambrosia beetle in SE). The analysis on acoustic detection datasets presents the ability of piezoelectric MEMS sensor to detect the signal, but sound patterns corresponding to walking or other activities showed the limit of species’ identification due to weak characteristic signal. Proteins profile of X. germanus, X. crassiusculus, C. multilatus, X. compactus was obtained by gel electrophoresis and compared. Several spots extracted from gels appear to be species-specific. The antibodies to these proteins are being pursued for the use insensor platform. Economic cost information collected will assist with determining cost savings by utilizing the SMART Trap system over more conventional ethanol traps and the efficacy of insecticide treatments in conjunction with the SMART Trap system.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
H. Park, H. Ahn, S.-B. Kim, J. Jeong and D.-J. Kim, Deposition and Characterization of FeB thin films by Electrochemical Method, ECS Transactions, Vol.45 (14), pp.37-42 (2013).
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
A. Gorzlancyk, D. Held, D.-J. Kim, and C. Ranger. "Capture of Xylosandrus crassiusculus and other Scolytinae (Coleoptera, Curculionidae) in Response to Visual and Volatile Cues," Florida Entomologist, Vol. 96 (3), pp.1097-1101 (2013)
- Type:
Other
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
H. Park, A. Gorzlancyk, J. Jeong, Y. Chung, D. Held, and D.-J. Kim, Development of a SMART trap for Asian Ambrosia Beetles, 224th ECS Meeting, San Francisco, CA (2013).
- Type:
Other
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
H. Park, J. Jeong, Y. Chung, D. Held, and D.-J. Kim, Magnetostrictive FeB thin films deposited by electrochemical method for remote sensor platform, 2013 Spring Materials Research Society Symposium, San Francisco, CA (2013).
- Type:
Other
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2012
Citation:
Acoustic, visual, and volatile cues can improve performance of traps for ambrosia beetles (Xylosandrus spp.) in nurseries. A. Gorzlancyk, D. Held, J. Jeong, D.-J. Kim. Annual meeting of the Entomological Society of America, Knoxville, TN (Nov, 2012).
- Type:
Other
Status:
Submitted
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Monoclonal Antibody Detection Kit for Ambrosia Beetles, D. W. Held, D.-J. Kim, and A. M. Gorzlancyk, AU Technology Disclosure #2013-061
- Type:
Websites
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
We have developed the project website (http://www.ag.auburn.edu/enpl/directory/faculty/held/ambrosia/index.php), Facebook (Xylosandrus Research Team Auburn, AL) and Twitter (#AmbrosiaAL)
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Progress 09/01/11 to 08/31/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The first prototype traps developed with installed light emitting diodes (LED) and volatile alcohols were modified. The second year version of the insect trap was improved by installing solar module supplies, a vertical array of LED lights, volatile attractant dispenser, mesh to filter larger insects, and timer for LED. The upgraded traps allow us to operate LED without battery replacement and minimize by-catch of unwanted insects. In the second year, conopthorin was also used to examine selective attraction of ambrosia beetles. The results of field tests showed that the combined ethanol and conopthorin attractant caught less non-target ambrosia beetles and improved the attractiveness of the trap. Conopthrin contributes to X. germanus capture, but its impact appears to be limited. Trap spot, cold snaps and climate influenced beetle emergence. Selective capture through selection of LED and volatiles in our engineered trap needs an additional identification step. Sound from captured ambrosia beetles was collected and analyzed to identify species level characteristic walking, crawling or wing beat frequencies for the pest species. When ambrosia beetles were captured in traps, they did not fly, but walked occasionally. Highly sensitive microphones were utilized to record background and insect signals simultaneously. Sound frequencies corresponding to the walking of C. mutilatus were around 10 - 15 Hz, which is below the limit of human hearing. Different patterns of sound signals were also observed from X. germanus and C. mutilatus. Sound sensing materials and miniaturized sensors were extensively investigated. Piezoelectric sensing materials including polymer, ceramic and their composite were studied. The fabrication process of constructing miniaturized sound sensors based on the piezoelectric sensing materials was also optimized. Although there is sensitivity improvement in the sensors, mixed sounds originating from insects' chewing, walking and scratching activities in a trap are likely to limit accurate identification of insects. Therefore, selective detection of a particular species could be resolved by characterizing signature proteins or biological materials specific to ambrosia beetles. An economical method to synthesize a magnetically-driven resonant biosensor was developed. Alternate and complementary detection methods will be investigated to ensure accurate determination of target insect. Research and outreach efforts were made to the horticulture industry in Alabama and Ohio through grower meetings. Research results and updated information on ambrosia beetles, as well as their management in this community, were shared at a meeting with nursery managers in Ohio that serve as the advisory council for this project. In Alabama, we have met with nurseries that are serving as collaborators on this project. We also have collaborated with scientists in the USDA-ARS in Ohio. Electronic resources were disseminated through project website, Facebook, and Twitter. The project webpage archives most of the research papers on Xylosandrus (including Cnestus), and Facebook and Twitter updates regularly with project progress. PARTICIPANTS: Dr. Kim of Auburn University has conducted the overall design and construction of the SMART trap system. He has also worked on the development of sound sensors to characterize sounds from Asian ambrosia beetles and to detect Fusarium spp. and Ambrosiella spp. Dr. David Held (entomology and extension) conducted field-tests in Alabama and in Ohio using conventional traps, as well as the developed prototype. The growers in Ohio (Willoway Nurseries, Inc. and Sunleaf Nursery, LLP.) participated in field tests using the first prototype trap system. We have interacted with these growers by email and telephone. Research results were shared at a meeting with nursery managers in Ohio that serve as the advisory council for this project. Dr. C. Ranger in USDA ARS helped with the field test in Ohio and shared information on ambrosia beetles for potential improvement of the trap design and fabrication. Two graduate students from Materials Engineering, Jaeyoung Jeong and Hyejin Park, participated in developing traps and executing field tests. One graduate student from Entomology, Austin Gorzlancyk, was involved with field tests of the prototype trap and behavioral investigations of the ambrosia beetles. TARGET AUDIENCES: This project is designed to produce a SMART trap that attracts, captures and identifies the specific presence of destructive Asian ambrosia beetles. Information from the SMART trap will be used by nursery growers in the U.S. to reduce nursery crop losses; to lower production costs through targeted use and reduced application of pesticides thus requiring less chemicals, labor, and energy; and by improving the sustainability of the farming process through the acquisition of rapid and timely information on pest populations. As further effort to deliver science-based knowledge to people, we have developed the project website (http://www.ag.auburn.edu/enpl/directory/faculty/held/ambrosia/index. php), Facebook (Xylosandrus Research Team Auburn, AL) and Twitter (#AmbrosiaAL). Dissemination of research results were presented in the following meeting and conferences; Gulf States Hort Expo, Mobile Field Station Field Day, SE Ornamental Entomology Workshop, Entomological Society of America, The International Society for Optics and Photonics (Biosensing), and Electrochemical Society. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: NONE
Impacts
Findings obtained so far are being used to refine and improve the design of the SMART trap for deployment at nurseries in the spring for monitoring and comparison with the current standard trap. The improved SMART trap possesses solar module supplies, a vertical array of LED lights, volatile attractant dispenser, mesh to filter larger insects, and timer for LED. The added components make for convenient deployment in the fields with minimal maintenance. The field tests relating to investigation of different volatiles showed that conopthorin and LED increased trap capture of X. crassiusculus and total relative to the bottle trap, and ethanol/conopthorin combination caught less non-target ambrosia beetles. The results provide a useful method to boost capturing of ambrosia beetles. Acoustic detection datasets were collected for design of miniaturized sound sensors, as well as for database regarding insect behavior of ambrosial beetles. Unique sound patterns corresponding to walking or other activities are being collected, which may advance our understanding of these insects. Fabrication protocol and design on piezoelectric sound sensing materials and magnetically resonant biosensor materials were investigated. The results will help our understanding on such functional materials. Economic cost information collected will assist with determining cost savings by utilizing the SMART Trap system over more conventional ethanol traps and the efficacy of insecticide treatments in conjunction with the SMART Trap system.
Publications
- Park, H., Ahn, H., Kim S.-B., Jeong, J., and Kim, D.-J. 2012. Deposition and characterization of FeB thin films by electrochemical method. Proc. 2012 ECS Conference (ECS Transactions), Seattle, WA.
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Progress 09/01/10 to 08/31/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: To attract ambrosia beetles, the first prototype traps, possessing light emitting diodes (LED) and volatile alcohols, were made based on preliminary research results. The field test results show that light colors such as green along with higher energy light sources such as ultraviolet (UV) present better attraction, but UV light also attracts unwanted insects such as moths. A variety of ethanol and methanol mixtures was investigated for selective attraction of the ambrosia beetle. A 50:50 ratio between the two alcohols appears to selectively attract ambrosia beetles best. In addition to investigating optical cues, other techniques relating to fabrication of a MEMS sound sensor and a magnetically-driven resonant biosensor are being developed to integrate in an insect trap. Polymer and ceramic piezoelectrics are being optimized as sound sensing materials along with developing fabrication protocols. An economical method to synthesize magnetostrictive transducer material used in the biosensors was developed. This method is based on electrochemical deposition, which forms the magnetostrictive sensing materials from solution. These methods developed here will result in the manufacture of economical traps for ambrosia beetles. Research and Outreach efforts were made to the Horticulture Industry in Alabama and Ohio through grower meetings. Preliminary research results were shared at a meeting with nursery managers in Ohio that serve as the advisory council for this project. We also have interacted with these growers by email and telephone. In Alabama, we have met with nurseries that are serving as collaborators on this project. We also have collaborated with scientists in the USDA-ARS in Ohio. We also have conducted a literature review and collected budgetary data for nursery operations from secondary research, extension publications and commercial websites. Budgetary data will be combined with data collected concerning the SMART Trap system to develop cost budgets at the nursery level. Cost budgets will be utilized for further economic analyses. PARTICIPANTS: Dr. Kim of Auburn University has conducted the overall design and construction of the SMART trap system. He has also worked on the development of the sensors to identify the Asian ambrosia beetle and to detect Fusarium spp. and Ambrosiella spp. for confirmation of Asian ambrosia beetle capture. Dr. Jason Bergtold (Agricultural Economics) performed the survey study to determine the costs associated with the invasive Asian ambrosia beetle within the U.S. He will evaluate the economics of the nursery production process using current beetle control methods compared to SMART trap integrated pest management programs. Dr. David Held (entomology and extension) conducted field-tests in Alabama using conventional traps as well as the developed prototype. The growers in Ohio (Willoway Nurseries, Inc. and Sunleaf Nursery, LLP.) participated in field-tests using the first prototype trap system. We have interacted with these growers by email and telephone. Preliminary research results were shared at a meeting with nursery managers in Ohio that serve as the advisory council for this project. Dr. Kathy Lawrence at the Hybridoma Laboratory of Auburn University participated in the project activity by culturing Ambrosiella spores. Two graduate students from Engineering, Jaeyoung Jeong and Hyejin Park participated in designing and developing traps. One graduate student from Entomology, Austin Gorzlancyk was involved with field-tests of the prototype trap and behavioral investigations of the ambrosia beetles. TARGET AUDIENCES: This project is designed to produce a SMART trap that attracts, captures, identifies and confirms the specific presence of destructive Asian ambrosia beetles. Information from the SMART trap will be used by nursery growers in the U.S. to reduce nursery crop losses; to lower production costs through targeted use and reduced application of pesticides thus requiring less chemicals, labor, and energy; and by improving the sustainability of the farming process through the acquisition of rapid and timely information on pest populations. As further effort to deliver science-based knowledge to people, we have integrated information gathered over the course of this project into current classroom instruction. As an extension and outreach activity, we are developing the website to disseminate the research outcomes that will be used by the nursery growers and other interested parties. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Findings obtained so far are being used to refine and modify the design of the SMART trap for deployment at nurseries in the springtime for monitoring and comparison with the current standard trap. Acoustic detection methods are presently under consideration in a future trap design. The wingbeat frequencies of ambrosia beetles are around 100 Hz. To effectively sense low frequency sound signals, a polymer piezoelectric material is being investigated in addition to the oxide ceramic material previously described in the proposal. A comparison of these two materials will provide more data for higher performance trap design. On the attractant front, adding methanol to the commonly used ethanol for an olfactory cues gives better selective attraction of ambrosia beetles. A 50 to 50 ratio between ethanol and methanol appears optimal and the mixture is used for the current trap device. Economic cost information collected will assist with determining cost savings by utilizing the SMART Trap system over more conventional ethanol traps and the efficacy of insecticide treatments in conjunction with the SMART Trap system.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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