Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 13, 2026

Sampling and Identification of Microplastics in Groundwater
Published on: November 7, 2025
A ddPCR Assay for Identification of Autographa gamma (Noctuidae: Plusiinae) in Bulk Trap Samples
Frida A Zink1, Luke R Tembrock1, Alicia E Timm1
1Department of Bioagricultural Sciences and Pest Management, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO.
Abstract:
The silver Y moth [Autographa gamma (Linneaus) (Noctuidae: Plusiinae)] is a pervasive crop pest in its native range but has not been found in moth surveys in the United States. Specimens of A. gamma are often intercepted at U.S. ports of entry, so the risk of introduction of this invasive species is high. Currently, identification of Plusiinae adults captured in domestic surveys is done by morphlogical comparison; however, this method is time consuming and misidentifications have occurred in the past. A recent study outlined a real-time PCR assay capable of rapidly identifying individual A. gamma specimens using CO1. This same study provided preliminary data for a droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) assay capable of processing bulk trap samples. Here, we develop and test a ddPCR assay for detecting a single A. gamma in a trap sample of 200 individual moths. This assay will drastically reduce the time and cost needed to screen domestic trap samples for A. gamma.
Related Concept Videos
Social Traps
Bulk Modulus
Bulk Density of Aggregate
Most natural mineral aggregates, like sand and gravel,...
Moisture Content and Bulking of Aggregate
When aggregates are exposed to rain or sit in stockpiles, they absorb moisture, which must be...
Sampling Methods: Sample Types
Solid samples include a variety of substances, such as sediments from water bodies, soil, metals, and biological tissues. Two standard methods for extracting sediments from water bodies are grab sampling and piston coring. Grab sampling involves using a device to collect a discrete sediment sample from the bottom of a water body with minimal disturbance. Grab samples do not always represent the entire area due to...
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Bulk-Forming and Stimulant Laxatives
Bulk-forming laxatives, such as psyllium, methylcellulose, and polycarbophil, absorb water in the intestine, increasing stool bulk and promoting bowel movement. This...

