Detection of volatile emissions from almond trees and electroantennographic response of the almond wasp (Eurytoma amygdali) to these volatiles
Résumé
Eurytoma amygdali Enderlein, the almond wasp, is an important pest in almond orchards in southeastern France. In order to develop a biocontrol strategy against wasp infestations, we studied the emission of volatiles emitted by almond trees and their detection by adult almond wasps.
Our approach consists in identifying and quantifying volatiles released by almond trees at different stages in headspace by GC-MS (Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry) and PTR-ToF-MS (Proton Transfer Reaction - Time of Flight - Mass Spectrometry). These volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are then tested by electroantennography (EAG) and EAG coupled to GC (GC-EAD) to measure their detection by the female antennae. The detected VOCs will be used to test simple mixtures at different ratios on the behavior of wasps in order to develop a kairomone trap.