Improved surveillance tools for key biosecurity targets (fruit flies, Gypsy moth)

Biosecurity outcome

• Better attractive lures targeting female QFF to improve detectability of a new incursion and support eradication attempts (STOPPING in June 2020)
• Self-reporting low-power sensors for integration into FF and GM surveillance programmes. Traps will remotely communicate instantaneous insect catch to end-users reducing labour costs and enhancing early detection. Machine learning will allow for the automatic classification of the trapped species, reducing false alerts.

Science outcome

• Discovery of a new mix of behaviourally active compounds for attracting female QFF based on pheromone and/or kairomones (STOPPING in June 2020)
• Creation of a library of Wing Beat Frequency (WBF) signatures for biosecurity threats used as new diagnostic tool for species identification.
• Development of sensor technology in combination with the Internet of Things (IoT) for automatic data collection.
• Spatially and temporally precise data for wide-area remote monitoring contributing to more accurate models of population dynamics.
• Capability developed in data processing via machine learning for easier interpretation of complex data, easily communicable to the end-user.

Key end users/stakeholders

Implementation:  Female lure research has stopped.  Knowledge captured by publication.   Prototype sensor/system in development with GIA/AsureQuality oversight.  May require further pre-operational investment through B3 (or alternative).   Implementation through GIA (Fruit Council) and FOA with AsureQuality. IP managed by PFR.