Quantitative identification and sensor sensitivity analysis in detection of odor volatile compounds emitted by scaly grain mites, Suidasia pontifica Oudemans

BACKGROUND In Thailand, the scaly grain mite, Suidasia pontifica Oudemans, impacts the feed industry by emitting a lemongrass‐like odor in contaminated feed, reducing its palatability. This study focused on identifying volatile organic compounds (VOCs) associated with this odor in contaminated chicken feeds and ground maize, as well as individual mites using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). We explored the relationship between VOC concentration and mite population size in chicken feed cultures, aiming to detect minimal mite presence through regression models. Additionally, we tested the sensitivity of nine electronic odor sensors in detecting these VOCs. RESULTS Our results showed Z‐citral and E‐citral present in mite‐contaminated ground maize, chicken feeds, but absent in uncontaminated samples. Mite populations in chicken feed followed a normal distribution, increasing rapidly, peaking, and then declining, a pattern mirrored in the concentrations of Z‐citral and E‐citral. Simple linear regression models confirmed a positive correlation between mite density and citral concentrations. Polynomial regression models indicated Z‐citral is detectable at mite densities over 67 individuals per gram and E‐citral over 3.89 individuals per gram. Odor sensors showed varying readings across different citral concentrations, uncontaminated, and mite‐infested chicken feeds. CONCLUSIONS Our study confirms that S. pontifica are responsible for the lemongrass‐like odor in infested samples, due to Z‐citral and E‐citral. The citral concentrations increase with mite population growth and are detectable at low mite densities, suggesting their effectiveness as biomarkers for early mite infestation detection. Additionally, MQ series odor sensors detected these VOCs, indicating their potential for monitoring mite infestations in storage environments. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. The scaly grain mite, Suidasia pontifica, causes economic losses to the poultry feed industry. This study aims to develop an early detection method for mite infestations by identifying and quantifying key volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted at different stages of infestation through GC–MS and electronic nose (E‐Nose) technology, and developed an automated detection technique.