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Outside the Lab: In-situ Analysis of Volatiles in Insect Interactions With Coupled Mass Spectrometric, Antennal and Sensory Response
Uploaded on: 5th December 2011
Author:
M. Schotta, C. Wehrenfennigb,c, T. Gascha, R.-A. Düringb & A. Vilcinskasa
Institution:
aJustus-Liebig-University, Institute for Phytopathology & Applied Zoology, Germany
bJustus-Liebig-University, Institute for Soil Science and Soil Conservation, Germany
cJustus-Liebig-University, Institute
Description:

Some environmentally friendly plant protection strategies against pest insects are based on their intra-specific communication via volatiles. The latter can be used, for example, to monitor pest insect populations or in mating disruption. Pheromone-based approaches in plant protection require reliable qualitative and quantitative detection methods. Head space samples collected in the field, for example, gained by means of closed-loop stripping analysis (CLSA), or even entire insects had to be taken to a laboratory to analyze associated volatiles via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and coupled electro-antennographic detection (EAD). Since time-shifted measurements of head space samples in the lab bears risks which can invalidate the results, the progress in chemical ecology is biased by the lack of methods enabling in-situ analysis of volatiles. Consequently, our project aims at developing a portable GC-MS-EAD device with a sensory array that enables the fast analysis of volatiles perceivable by insects on site (where chemical ecology takes place). In order to achieve this aim, the stream of volatiles sensed by the insect antenna is directly connected to a selective odorant measurement of a multi-sensor array (SOMMSA) appliance of metal-oxide semiconductor (MOS) gas sensors. In connection with a small power unit and a portable helium tank, the system serves as a stand-alone set-up which can be used in the field because of its small size and weight of less than 45 kilos. The application range for in situ analysis can be expanded by different kinds of antenna holders and the combination of sensors. The fusion of the analytical systems enables fast screening of ecological systems and sensory response to volatiles - the basis for the development of highly sensitive bio- and biomimetic sensors. With this video we present and explain the setup of this portable, versatile and sensitive device.