Project Number: 6618-22320-001-26
Project Type: Nonfunded Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Apr 01, 2011
End Date: Mar 31, 2016

Objective:
Discover and characterize microbial and viral pathogens of weevils, Diaprepes abbreviatus, aphids, Toxoptera citricidus, psyllids, Diaphorina citri, of fruit crops, for potential use as biological control agents.

Approach:
Evaluate field collected insects, their DNA, and RNA, as collected from fruit crops worldwide. Process DNA, RNA extractions, using PCR analyses to detect microbes and virus. Incorporate visual observations via electron microscopic examination of insects extracts to identify microbe and virus morphology.