Working Packages
WP1. Collection, separation and identification of VOC’s
WP1 aims to characterize the profile of the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released from European chestnut (C. sativa) plant tissues. Headspace static or dynamic techniques will be used. Collection of VOCs will be carried out according to physiological state of chestnut tree (Task 1.1). VOCs will be sampled from either enclosed plant parts or plant organs in the field or in the lab. Gas chromatography (GC) in conjunction with mass spectrometry (MS) flame ionization detector (FID) will be used for the separation, identification, and quantification of VOCs (Task 1.2).
WP2. Electrophysiological responses of C. elephas
The collected material will be tested for electrophysiological responses of C. elephas adults. could influence the behavior of an insect. Electroantennograms (EAGs) record voltage fluctuations between the tip and base of an insect antenna during chemical stimulation that that may affect the behavior of the insect. Prior to conducting EAG studies, different antennal preparations will be tested (Task 2.1). Chestnut plant extracts from different plant tissues will be subjected to gas chromatography- Electro-Antennographical Detection (GC-EAD) (Task 2.2) and to EAG technique (Task 2.3). Active individual VOCs, as well as some compounds from related weevil found in the literature, that are commercially available, will also be tested (Task 2.3).
WP3. Behavioral responses of C. elephas
Electrophysiological responses give us information about how antenna or other olfactory organs of an insect perceive particular volatile compound, but further bioassays are required to determine if a compound is an attractant, a repellent or is not ecologically important. Behavioral responses of C. elephas adults to volatiles will be observed in a two choice Y-tube glass olfactometer (Task 3.1). Bioassays will be performed 1) to active individual VOCs, as well as some compounds from related literature, that are commercially available and 2) to VOCs from different chestnut plant tissues.
WP4. Evaluation of control tools
WP4 efforts to develop a protocol for trap design (Task 4.1) and placement in the fields (Task 4.2). The plant-derived compounds that could alter the behavior of C. elephas will be used. A variety of trap design will be used in conjunction with the identified potential attractants.
WP5. Project Dissemination
Project website will be created describing the project, its activities, and the deliverables, as well as announcements for forthcoming dissemination actions, such as local press releases, etc. Leaflets will be carried out to disseminate the results of the project to potential end-users (Task 5.1a). Dissemination of project results will be achieved through publications in peer reviewed scientific journals and announcements at national and international conferences (if it is applicable). A conference is also scheduled to be held to present the outcomes and results of the project (Task 5.1b).
WP6. Project Management
WP6 will ensure that the project is performed on schedule, deliverables and reports are delivered on time and within the allocated budget, and that the project objectives and outcomes are achieved (Task 6.1). The Project management committee will be formed; the advisor board will support project coordinator to take critical decisions on how to proceed in those circumstances that could risk the success of the project. In addition, care will be taken for the organization of technical meetings and conference (Task 6.2).
