Odor volatiles associated with mite-infested bin-stored wheat.

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Entomology
• Chemical Ecology

Background:

• Mite infestations in stored grain pose significant economic and health challenges.
• Understanding mite chemical communication is crucial for developing effective control strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the production and presence of tridecane, a previously unreported volatile, in stored grain ecosystems.
• To identify the mite species responsible for tridecane production and assess its temporal dynamics.

Main Methods:

• Introduction of three key mite species (Acarus siro, Aeroglyphus robustus, Lepidoglyphus destructor) into experimental grain bins.
• Weekly to bimonthly sampling of mites and volatiles throughout a year-long period.
• Laboratory studies under controlled temperature and humidity to confirm tridecane production by mite species.

Main Results:

• Tridecane was detected in mite-infested stored wheat, with continuous production observed throughout the year.
• All three introduced mite species, Acarus siro, Aeroglyphus robustus, and Lepidoglyphus destructor, were confirmed producers of tridecane.
• Ventilation did not significantly impact mite survival or volatile production. Citral, an alarm pheromone, was also detected.

Conclusions:

• Tridecane is a significant volatile produced by common stored grain mites, with year-round production.
• The study reports novel findings on tridecane production by Aeroglyphus robustus and Lepidoglyphus destructor.
• Further research into tridecane's role in mite ecology and potential as a control target is warranted.