D3446: Next-generation alcohol biosensor for detecting the emission of stress-induced ethanol from trees

Tuesday, November 12, 2024

9:00 AM – 5:00 PM MST

Location: Phoenix Convention Center, Exhibit Hall 6, PCC

Presenting Author(s)

Julie Baniszewski

Research Associate
USDA-ARS, Ohio

Co-Author(s)

Christopher M. Ranger (he/him/his)

Research Entomologist
USDA-ARS
Wooster, Ohio

Co-Author(s)

KA

Karla Michele Addesso

Research Associate Professor
Tennessee State University
McMinnville, Tennessee
DK

Denis Olgen Kiobia

University of Georgia
TIFTON, Georgia
Jonathan Lee-Rodriguez

PhD Candidate
The Ohio State University
Wooster, Ohio
ST

Shekhar Thapa

Graduate Research Assistant
University of Georgia
Tifton, Georgia
MR

Michael E. Reding

Research Entomologist
USDA-ARS
Wooster, Ohio
GR

Glen Rains

University of Georgia
Tifton, Georgia

The production and emission of ethanol from stress is induced in response to a variety of abiotic and biotic stressors. Some invasive ambrosia beetles rely on ethanol as a long-range semiochemical for locating weakened trees. Ethanol also acts as a tunneling cue for ambrosia beetles and its presence within host tissues benefits the growth of their nutritional fungal mutualist. Detecting the emission of ethanol from trees would aid in monitoring tree health and identifying trees at risk of infestation by ambrosia beetles. We evaluated a next-generation alcohol biosensor for detecting the emission of ethanol in real-time from stressed trees. SPME-GC-MS was used to confirm the ethanol detections and correlate with the biosensor readings. The biosensor was sensitive enough to detect ethanol emissions within one to two days of flood stress being imposed. Emissions of ethanol from flood-stressed trees tended to peak between seven to ten days after initiating flooding. The biosensor is operated using macOS smartphone, thereby allowing for a convenient monitoring tool.