Date: 30 Oct – 2 Nov 2018

This workshop focuses on basic techniques for collection, preparation and preservation of specimens and identification using morphology, morphometrics and DNA sequences. The workshop covers biological aspects of fruit flies; the quarantine risk associated with different species of fruit flies; options available for management of this risk; and include an introduction to the objectives and mode of operation of the ASEAN Regional Diagnostic Network.

The diagnostic activity addresses gaps in Southeast Asian expertise in relation to techniques used to help identify groups of pests that are difficult to identify. This workshop provides a foundation for ASEAN countries to improve their regional diagnostic capacity by developing additional skills in identification techniques and improving networking among participating plant health professionals.

Activities

Lectures

• Introduction to Tephritidae and general concepts in taxonomy and systematics
• Taxonomy and systematics of tephritids - major groupings, morphology, molecular systematics and taxonomic updates
• Biology, behaviour and biosecurity concerns – Host ranges, geographic distribution, chemical ecology, mating behaviour
• Identification of Dacini fruit flies – i) Resources: Journal articles, books, online material; ii) Introduction to the Handbook for the Identification of Fruit Flies Version 3.0; iii) Using molecular data to support identification (e.g. DNA barcodes)
• Fruit Fly Identification Australia website
• Using the Lucid Key – Identification walk-through
• Asian pest species – Key diagnostic characters

Practicals

• Identification of Asian fruit fly specimens (external morphology)
• Pacific pest species – Key diagnostic characters
• Identification of Pacific fruit fly specimens (external and internal morphology, aedeagus preparation for dissection)
• Dissection and measurement of aedeagus
• Collection & Preservation techniques
• Pinning and preservation session / continue identifications

Documents