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Fondazione Edmund Mach
Fondazione Edmund Mach
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Biotremology

We develop and apply behavioral manipulation methods based on biotremology techniques. For example, we can characterize vibrational signals and select/create synthetic playbacks to stimulate target insect species in both laboratory and semi-field conditions.

Image: Biotremologia (2)

Instruments

Image: Laser VibroGo
Laser Doppler Vibrometers

Available three devices and three accelerometers (Ometron, PDV-100 e VibroGO) and three types of high sensitivy accelerometers 

Image: Shaker
Mini-Shakers

Different types of emitters including two BK Type 4810 

Image: unnamed (1)
Acquisition devices

LAN acquisition tools and related software, including LAN-XI (BK, 2 modules for a total of 8 channels), M-Audio AIR 192 (6 channels), Digital dual-channel ICP (portable, 2 channels) and a digital oscilloscope (2 channels). Among the recording and analysis software there are BK Connect (Bruel and Kjaer). 

Image: Piattaforma di biotremologia_Analisi segnali vibrazionali insetti
Sound insulated chamber

Chamber 2,03 x 2,48 x 2,19 m, insulation with mineral wool (100 mm) 

Image: unnamed (2)
Camcorder and Video Tracking Software

Canon EOS 70D, and video tracking software (Noldus Ethovision XT 16s)

Services

Characterization of insect vibrational signals

Bioassays for the characterization of the vibrational signal repertoire of insects, in association to intra- (mating and rivalrly behaviors) and inter- (predators, parasitoids) specific communication

Creation and validation of synthetic vibrational signals

Creation and validation of vibrational signals for applications of insect behavioral manipulation. Bioassays for signal validation in lab, semi-field and field conditions

Vibroscape characterization

Vibroscape analysis associated with biotic and abiotic factors at different scales: from plant to agroecosystem

Applications

Crop Protection

Vibrational signals are designed to specifically intefere with insect pests' behavior. The experimentation can aim at developing prototypes through tests conducted in lab, greenhouse, semi-field and open-field.

Ecology

Vibrlscape analysis to detect and monitoring the presence of target insects in the environment.

Ethology

Behavioral studies targetting insects, conducted by means of bioassays and with the use of natural and synthetic signals for stimulation to characterize a certain behavior and the associated signals.

Agritech

Guide to the development of vibrational sensors for environmental monitoring of insect species that use vibrational communication. Definition of species-specific signals, useful frequency ranges and amplitudes.