An Innovative Approach for the Assessment of Stink Bug Damaged Cotton Bolls using Electronic Odor-Sensing Technology

Phytophagous stink bugs (Pentatomidae) and leaf footed bugs (Coreidae) are a major problem in B.t. cotton varieties.  These bugs feed directly on cotton bolls and cause damage to the fiber. There is a need for a more efficient and cost effective method of detection and control of these pests.  It is well known plants produce odorous hydrocarbons (often terpenes) in response to pest damage.  Volatile emissions from stink bug damaged and undamaged bolls were collected and analyzed by gas chromatography, as well as a novel method using a portable electronic nose.  Damage by stink bugs and leaf footed bugs induced significantly greater emission of terpenes compared to undamaged controls.  Patterns in terpene emissions in response to damage were similar among cotton varieties, and herbivores observed.  Electronic nose technology has been developed for identification of a range of odorous compounds at extremely low concentrations.  This technology has potential for developing a rapid in-field detection system based on odorous chemicals released from damaged bolls.