Analytical Instruments
Analytik
Device name:Gaschromatograph gekoppelt mit einem automatisierten Thermodesorber und einem Massenspektrometer (ATD-GC-MS)
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Description: Using this system, plant volatiles or insect pheromones can be qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed and identified. In the ATD 650, the collected volatiles are thermally desorbed without the use of solvents, concentrated in a cryogenic trap, and then transferred via a heated line into the gas chromatograph, where they are separated. The compounds are subsequently passed through another transfer line into the quadrupole mass spectrometer. There, electron ionization generates characteristic mass spectra for each compound, which serve as the basis for their identification.
Device name:Gaschromatograph mit FID gekoppelt mit einem manuellen Thermodesorber und elektroantennographischer Detektion (TD-GC-FID/EAD)
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Description: With this advanced analytical setup, the electrophysiological responses of insect antennae to plant volatiles or insect pheromones are measured. In the manual TD 350, the collected volatiles are thermally desorbed without solvents, concentrated in a cryogenic trap, and then transferred via a heated line into the gas chromatograph, where they are separated on a capillary column. The column effluent is split into two streams. One portion of the volatiles is directed to a flame ionization detector (FID), generating a total ion current chromatogram. The other portion is carried by a makeup gas over a prepared insect antenna, where receptor potentials are recorded and amplified to produce a corresponding electroantennographic (EAG) signal.
Device name:Gaschromatograph mit Flammenionisationsdetektor (GC-FID)
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Description: Known plant volatiles, phloem components (after derivatization), or insect pheromones can be quantitatively determined with this system.
Device name:Headspace-Gaschromatographie gekoppelt mit Massenspektrometrie (HS-GC-MS)
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Description: The headspace GC-MS system equipped with the PerkinElmer TurboMatrix HS 40 Trap enables automated analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from plant, insect, or environmental samples. In the HS 40 Trap unit, samples are precisely temperature-controlled, allowing VOCs to accumulate in the headspace and subsequently be collected and pre-concentrated in an integrated trap. The enriched compounds are then thermally transferred into the gas chromatograph, where they are separated and subsequently detected in the mass spectrometer. By generating characteristic mass spectra, VOCs can be identified qualitatively as well as quantified.
Device name:MALDI Biotyper smart System GP Bruker
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Description: diagnosis of microorganisms, creating of databases
Microscopy
Device name: Digitalmikroskop – Keyence VHX-7000
Description: This is an eyepiece-free microscope in which the objective functions as the detector and images are displayed on a monitor. It is used in research for documentation, diagnostics, and visual analyses (e.g., measurements) of pest organisms. The system allows 2D and 3D measurements, features a continuously tiltable stand, a 4K CMOS camera, an endoscope interface, and objectives with magnification ranges of 20–200× and 50–5000×.
Natural Compound Collection
Device name: Microchamber
Description: With this 6-chamber model, volatile compounds can be collected under defined conditions (volume: 44 cm³, temperature up to 120 °C, humidity, and airflow). It is used to sample volatiles from specific formulations (microcapsules, electrospun microfibers), plant material, or even pheromones emitted by live insects.
Device name: Mobiles-Headspace-Sampling-System
Description: The portable Headspace Collecting Device (HSCD) was developed at the JKI in collaboration with FLUSYS GmbH. It features six independently operated collection channels for capturing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and is specifically designed for robust field use. Airflow and sampling volume are precisely controlled electronically, and environmental parameters such as temperature and humidity are continuously recorded. The device is portable, CE-certified, and can be operated in either open or closed mode. Cross-contamination is prevented by six fully separated sampling systems, each equipped with its own vacuum pump, Coriolis mass flow meter, and mass flow controller. The collected volatiles can subsequently be analyzed using thermal desorption systems.
Semiochemical Formulation & Release Devices
Device name: Elektrospinning-System (Linari)
Description: This system is used to produce innovative formulations of odorants or other bioactive components. By encapsulating VOCs, pheromones, or similar compounds in meso- or nanofibers, a controlled release over extended periods under natural conditions can be achieved.
The fibers are produced using electrospinning technology. This is a simple yet highly versatile method in which an external electric field (40 kV) is applied to a wide range of materials, including biodegradable polymers (both synthetic and natural) and their blends. Combined with the use of non-toxic solvents, this technique enables the continuous production of biodegradable micro- and nanofibers suitable for applications in biotechnical plant protection. In this way, repellent or attractant compounds can be formulated for the deterrence or capture of pest insects.
Insect Behavioral Studies
Device name: Dynamisches 4-Kammer-Olfaktometer mit Kamera und Ethovision XT Verhaltensaufnahme-System (Noldus)
Description: In the arena of the dynamic 4-chamber olfactometer, insect behavior and responses to up to four different odor sources are recorded by a camera and analyzed using the EthoVision XT behavioral tracking system. The setup can operate with either white light or infrared illumination. It is used to assess insect reactions to synthetic or natural volatile compounds (single substances, blends, plant, insect, or substrate odors), as well as to plant structures or leaf surfaces. One or several insects are filmed within a defined arena, and their behavior and movement patterns are used to analyze their responses to different stimuli.
Device name: Elektropenetrographie EPG-Systems Giga-8d Basic 8 channel EPG recording system
Description: This system is used to study the feeding behavior of phloem- and xylem-feeding insects such as psyllids, aphids, or leafhoppers. By recording characteristic waveform patterns, complex behaviors (feeding, salivation, probing) can be qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed, including determining which plant tissue the insect is feeding on.
Device name: Insektenflugtunnel mit Ethovision 3D-Tracking-System
Description: With the flight tunnel set up in combination with 3D-tracking system, the flight behavior of lepidopteran pests can be tracked and evaluated it using various parameters. For example, flight direction, speed, duration, flight angles (track angle, heading angle, drift angle), and tortuosity (degree of winding) can be recorded and analyzed. Metrics such as the number of directional changes, as well as the magnitude and speed of angular adjustments, allow us to draw conclusions about insect fitness or the influence of climatic factors on the perception of odor cues, such as sex pheromones.
Device name: Laservibrometer – VGO-200 Polytec
Description: The mobile Doppler laser vibrometer enables contactless vibration analysis for recording and analyzing surface vibrations. The vibrations detected by the Class 2 laser are digitized and converted into acoustic signals, and oscillograms and sonograms are recorded. Maximum frequency range: 25 kHz. The optical and signal-processing units are integrated into a single housing, with external signal processing also possible. It is used in research to study acoustic communication in pest insects.
