Optimisation of a semiochemical slow-release alginate formulation attractive towards Aphidius ervi Haliday parasitoids.

BACKGROUND: Optimisation of alginate formulations is described in order to develop semiochemical (E-ß-farnesene and E-ß-caryophyllene) slow-release devices in biological control approaches by attracting predators and parasitoids of aphids. Various formulation criteria were optimised with respect to semiochemical encapsulation capacity. Moreover, the optimised formulation was characterised by texturometry and confocal microscopy. The slow-release rates of semiochemicals were calculated in laboratory controlled conditions. The attractiveness of semiochemical formulations towards Aphidius ervi was demonstrated by olfactometry. RESULTS: Two major parameters were highlighted in encapsulation optimisation: the type of alginate (Sigma L) and the type of crosslinker ion (Ca(2+)). Other formulation parameters were optimised: ionic strength (0.5 M), Ca(2+) (0.2 M) and alginate (1.5%) concentrations and the maturation time of beads in CaCl(2) solution (48 h). After physical characterisation of beads, semiochemical slow-release measurements showed that alginate formulations were efficient sesquiterpene releasers, with 503 µg of E-ß-farnesene and 1791 µg of E-ß-caryophyllene totally released in 35 days. The efficiency of semiochemical alginate beads as attractants for female parasitoids was demonstrated, with high percentages of attraction for semiochemical odours (88 and 90% for E-ß-farnesene and E-ß-caryophyllene respectively) and significant statistical results. CONCLUSION: Semiochemical alginate beads can be considered as efficient slow-release systems in biological control. These formulations could be very useful to attract aphid parasitoids on crop fields.

Validation of a fast gas chromatographic method for the study of semiochemical slow release formulations.

The validation of a fast GC-FID analytical method for the quantitative determination of semiochemical sesquiterpenes (E-beta-farnesene and beta-caryophyllene) to be used in an integrated pest management approach is described. Accuracy profiles using total error as decision criteria for validation were used to verify the overall accuracy of the method results within a well defined range of concentrations and to determine the lowest limit of quantification for each analyte. Furthermore it allowed to select a very simple and reliable regression model for calibration curve for the quantification of both analytes as well as to provide measurement uncertainty without any additional experiments. Finally, this validated method was used for the quantification of semiochemicals in slow release formulations. The goal was to verify the protection efficiency of alginate gel beads formulations against oxidation and degradation of sesquiterpenes. The results showed that the alginate beads are adequate slow release devices which protect the bio-active molecules during at least twenty days.