Innovations in EPG technology accelerate its application to new and emerging issues in agriculture

Since its inception 65 years ago, electropenetrography (EPG) has been used to study stylet probing of primarily tiny, plant-feeding insects like aphids, psyllids, and whiteflies. The 3rd-generation, AC-DC electropenetrograph was designed to enlarge the scope and application of EPG, with flexible settings to optimize detection of any type of probing by any size of arthropod on any type of host plant or animal. These advances in EPG technology have opened new avenues to study diverse additional arthropods. The purpose of this talk is to, first, briefly review basic principles of EPG Science including R and emf components and what they explain about probing behaviors. Then, second, most of the talk will explain recent innovations to understand the actual electrical EPG circuit, calculating fixed inherent resistance, as well as R and emf responsiveness curves for the arthropods of interest. These innovations will improve waveform correlations by allowing more rapid creation of waveform libraries. Finally, calculation of current densities at different amplifier sensitivity levels will be demonstrated, to focus on voltage settings that minimize negative effects of electrical signals on the chosen test species. These new methods will widen the research applications for EPG and help both experienced and novice EPG users to innovate pest management solutions for new and/or invasive arthropod pests.