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

Comparison of the volatiles emitted by healthy and diseased potato tubers s howed that there are volatile patterns specific for infestation by Phytopht hora infestans. Some of these marker volatiles can be detected by a biosens or on the basis of intact antennae of the Colorado potato beetle (Leptinota rsa decemlineata). This biosensor shows responses to diseased potato tubers selectively and is not disturbed by odours emitted by healthy and mechanic ally damaged potato tubers. One single diseased potato tuber can be detecte d within up to 100 kg potato tubers. So, this biosensor on the basis of int act insect antennae presents a solution to the problem of damageless screen ing of large numbers of seed potatoes for fungal infestation. (C) 1999 Else vier Science S.A. All rights reserved.