Refinement of the protein immunomarking technique for mark-capture research

Authors: Hagler, James; Machtley, Scott

Submitted to: Journal of Insect Science
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/28/2020
Publication Date: 5/4/2020
Citation: Hagler, J.R., Machtley, S.A. 2020. Refinement of the protein immunomarking technique for mark-capture research. Journal of Insect Science. 20(2):1-4. https://doi.org/10.1093/jisesa/ieaa015.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/jisesa/ieaa015

Interpretive Summary: Knowledge of arthropod dispersal patterns in agroecosystems is critical for effective pest management. ARS scientists at Maricopa, Arizona developed a method to track arthropod movement. A study was conducted to evaluate the marking efficiency of low dose broadcast spray applications of egg albumin (from chicken egg whites) on lady beetles in alfalfa. Previous research recorded exceptional marking efficiency (e.g. > 95% of the population) on lady beetles when using relatively high concentrations (ranging from 10 to 50%) of chicken egg whites. This present study examined the marking efficiency of egg whites using lower concentrations of 2.5, 5.0, and 10.0%. The data indicated, regardless of the egg white treatment, that the backpack sprayer provided uniform coverage of egg albumin on the alfalfa plants and beetles. This study shows that very low concentrations of egg albumin is enough for marking arthropods directly in the field. This will lower the cost associated with using this marking procedure.

Technical Abstract: A follow-up study was conducted to further evaluate the marking efficiency of broadcast spray applications of egg albumin (from chicken egg whites) on Hippodamia convergens Guérin-Méneville (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) in alfalfa. Previous research recorded exceptional marking efficiency (e.g. > 95% of the population) on H. convergens when using relatively high concentrations (ranging from 10 to 50%) of chicken egg whites. This study examines marking efficiency of egg whites using lower concentrations of 2.5, 5.0, and 10.0%. We used sentinel cadaver and free-roaming beetles to measure protein mark acquisition (and retention) of each protein concentration by direct contact with the spray application and residual contact with protein residue on the plant tissue, respectively. The vertical distribution of the protein mark was also determined by sampling the upper and lower portions of the alfalfa canopy. The data indicated, regardless of the egg white treatment, that the backpack sprayer provided uniform coverage of egg albumin on the alfalfa plants and sentinel beetles. Also, almost every free-roaming beetle acquired a mark within 24 h after contact exposure to protein marked plants. This study shows that very low concentrations of egg albumin is enough for marking arthropods directly in the field.