Premium
Protein self‐marking by emerald ash borer: an evaluation of efficacy and persistence
Author(s) -
Gula Scott W.,
Lopez Vanessa M.,
Ray Ann M.,
Machtley Scott A.,
Hagler James R.,
Ginzel Matthew D.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
entomologia experimentalis et applicata
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.765
H-Index - 83
eISSN - 1570-7458
pISSN - 0013-8703
DOI - 10.1111/eea.12941
Subject(s) - buprestidae , biological dispersal , emerald ash borer , biology , persistence (discontinuity) , ecology , pest analysis , zoology , fraxinus , botany , population , demography , geotechnical engineering , sociology , engineering
Understanding the dispersal ability of invasive insects provides useful insights for developing effective management strategies. Historically, methods for marking insects for dispersal studies have been expensive, time‐consuming, labor‐intensive, and oftentimes ineffective, especially for woodboring beetles. Also, capturing or rearing insects requires human handling, which can alter behavior. Protein immunomarking is a well‐established technique for studying the dispersal of insects; however, it has not been applied to woodborers. This study evaluates the potential for using protein immunomarkers applied directly to woodborer‐infested trees to mark emerging beetles. Specifically, in the first experiment, we sprayed varying concentrations of ovalbumin (egg white) solution directly onto logs infested with emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire (Coleoptera: Buprestidae, Agrilini). In turn, an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the presence of protein on emerged beetles. To test the persistence of the mark, we applied varying concentrations of albumin to freeze‐killed beetles, mounted them on pins, and placed them over various time intervals in an exposed location outdoors. Adult EAB self‐marked as they emerged from protein‐treated trees, with higher protein concentrations persisting for longer on the cuticle. This technique offers a convenient, inexpensive, and durable means of marking woodborers and circumvents the need for human handling, allowing for more natural behavior and more realistic estimates of dispersal. Protein self‐marking may find application in studies of woodborer dispersal within natural forest environments.