Investigation on the chemical ecology of Eurytoma samsonowi and characterization of its semiochemicals

The Apricot Seed Wasp Eurytoma samsonowi Vasiljev (1915) (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae) is a phytophagous parasitic wasp species associated with stone fruits, detected first in the oases of Gafsa southwest of Tunisia. It causes high infestation on apricot to reach up to 76% as yield loss rate. Among control methods, mass trapping with sex pheromones is considered friendly to the environment. The proposed research project aims to study the chemical ecology of E. samsonowi and the interaction between males and females of the wasp. We are planningto isolate and identify the molecules of sex pheromones emitted by E. samsonowi. The expected outcomes are confirmation of the presence of the sex pheromone, characterization of semiochemicals molecules responsible for interaction between male and female of the pest, and identification of molecules structure. Afterward, obtained the prospected results in this internship, field assays in Tunisia will be conducted to evaluate the attractiveness molecules identified.

Faculty Supervisor:

Kirk Hillier

Student:

Partner:

Université de Sousse

Discipline:

Earth science

Sector:

Agriculture and Food; Biotechnology; Sustainability & the Environment

University:

Acadia University

Program: