Abstract
Timely detection of Mediterranean fruit fly (Medfly) is very important so that eradication action can be taken on time. The larvae stage of this insect is the most dangerous stage as it is within the pulp of the fruit, making it hard to detect by visual inspection. In most countries at ports of entry the inspector check a small sample of fruit by visual inspection or by cutting the produce and searching for fungus and pests. This paper will investigate a quick, reliable and sensitive method to determine the presence of fruit flies. Our research focuses on developing the technology for detecting hidden infestations by using the Head Space-Soild Phase Micro Extraction (HS-SPME) method coupled with Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrocopy (GC-MS) technique. Five different types of fruit were infested with an early stage of Medfly Ceratitis capitata Wiedemann (Diptera: Tephidae). We investigated to detect the differences in volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) between infested and non- infested fruits by using HS-SPME with (GC-MS). The results indicated that for few chemicals no significant differences between infested and non-infested fruit can be seen, especially in the fruits with first instar. However, in case of third instar larvae infested fruits significant differences in the chemicals can be seen as compare to non infested fruits and other instar infestations. These chemicals include ethyl (Z)-2 butenoate, 2-heptanone, anisole, β-cis-ocimene, 1,3,7-nonatriene,4,8-dimethy-,ethyl octyate, isoamyl caproate and 1β,4βh,10βh- guaia-5,11-diene, in apple. Ethyl (Z)-2-butenoate, (+)-2-bornanone, (-)-trans- isopiperitenol, methyl caprate, caryophyllene and farnesene in orange. Butanoic acid, 3-methyl-,2-methylbutul acetate, sabinene, β-myrcene, octanoic acid, methyl ester, dihydrocarvone, (-)-trans-isopiperitenol and ethyl laurate in mandarin. Butyl 2-methylbutanoate, terpinen-4-ol, P-menth-8-en-2-one, E-,(3E,7E)-4,8,12-trimethyltrideca-1,3,7,11-tetraene and dodecanoic acid, ethyl ester in lemon. Decane, 3-methyl-, p-menth-1,4(8)-diene, 1-undecene and α-cubebene in avocado. Thus, the VOC’s method could provide a possible tool for detecting tephritid larvae and this method could be adopted by industries importing and exporting fruit.
Highlights
Mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata Wiedemann is species of invasive pest that affects fruit production and export worldwide
Our research focuses on developing the technology for detecting hidden infestations by using the Head Space-Soild Phase Micro Extraction (HS-solid phase micro extraction (SPME)) method coupled with Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrocopy (GC-MS) technique
We investigated to detect the differences in volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) between infested and noninfested fruits by using HS-SPME with (GC-MS)
Summary
Mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata Wiedemann is species of invasive pest that affects fruit production and export worldwide. The issue is more serious, since the law regarding organic farming prohibits the use of synthetic substances that include pesticides [5]. For this reason, farmers are trying to limit the problems by avoiding infection by Medfly. Larvae feed and develop while hidden within the pulp, making infestation difficult to detect by the senses, especially for Medfly eggs and first instar larvae which are clear to pale white in colour and camouflage well with fruit pulp and only 2–3mm length inside the fruit [8]. Research has shown that only 35% of fruit infested with fruit fly were detected by trained agricultural inspectors. If not checked by quarantine inspectors, infested fruits get distributed to consumers [8]
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