Detection of volatiles released by diseased potato tubers using a biosensor on the basis of intact insect antennae

摘要

Comparison of the volatiles emitted by healthy and diseased potato tubers showed that there are volatile patterns specific for infestation by Phytophthora infestans. Some of these marker volatiles can be detected by a biosensor on the basis of intact antennae of the Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata). This biosensor shows responses to diseased potato tubers selectively and is not disturbed by odours emitted by healthy and mechanically damaged potato tubers. One single diseased potato tuber can be detected within up to 100 kg potato tubers. So, this biosensor on the basis of intact insect antennae presents a solution to the problem of damageless screening of large numbers of seed potatoes for fungal infestation.