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MATPROG-Matprogrammet: Norsk mat fra sjø og land

Attractive host plant volatiles and genetic regulation of the olfactory response in the control of apple fruit moth, Argyresthia conjugella

Tildelt: kr 6,8 mill.

Prosjektnummer:

178278

Søknadstype:

Prosjektperiode:

2007 - 2011

The apple fruit moth Argyresthia conjugella is regarded as the most important insect pest on apples in Fennoscandia. Until 2005 the organophosphorous compound azinphos-methyl (Gusathion) has been used in apple fruit moth control. The compound is now dereg istrated due to environmental concerns and new control methods is a must. Given the situation that the apple fruit moth will attack apples only when its preferred host, rowan (Sorbus aucuparia), has a low crop, we aim to produce a trap baited with attract ive rowan volatiles. In a damage year the trap will compete with the secondary host, apple. During a previous NRC-project several antennal active compounds from rowan headspace have been identified. Recent knowledge leads to the hypothesis that ratio spec ific blends of ubiquitous volatiles encode the host recognition rather than host specific compounds. We aim to identify this ratio specific blend. During the previous project period we did not have an attack year. Field tests during apple fruit moth atta ck are the ultimate test of the rowan volatile lure. Attack is expected to occur in 2007 and 2009. Bioassays will be performed by field trapping studies and in a wind tunnel at Bioforsk in Ås. A coupled gas-chromatograph and electroantennogram detector (G C-EAD) will be installed at our lab this summer. Our aim is also to identify and clone genes involved in the circadian response rhythm and and genes encoding olfactory receptors. We have observed increased antennal response levels during the dark phase of the photoperiod and we will further study genes that are up-regulated during this period. Olfactory receptor genes will be located using differential display of tissue from antenna, feet and larvae of apple fruit moths. Increased knowledge of the genetic control of insect olfaction may lead to novel approaches in insect control. The project will involve several international collaborators in chemical ecology and molecular biology.

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MATPROG-Matprogrammet: Norsk mat fra sjø og land