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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Fort Pierce, Florida » U.S. Horticultural Research Laboratory » Subtropical Insects and Horticulture Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #249441
Title: Hemipteran genomics and psyllid gene expression

Author
item Hunter, Wayne
item Hert, Mizuri
item Hall, David

Submitted to: Plant and Animal Genome Conference
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/14/2009
Publication Date: 1/9/2010
Citation: Hunter, W.B., Hert, M.M., Hall, D.G. 2010. Hemipteran genomics and psyllid gene expression [abstract]. Plant and Animal Genome XVIII Conference, January 9-13, 2010, San Diego, California, p. 18.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: One of the best tools current available is the application of genomics to insect pest problems. Genomics provides rapid elucidation of the genetic basis of insect biology. Research efforts on psyllid genomics, while still in its infancy, is providing information which will aid strategies to suppress the Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri, Hemiptera: Psyllidae), which is a highly competent vector of the phloem-inhabiting bacterium Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, causal agent of Huanglongbing (aka. Citrus Greening Disease). However, little information is available regarding immunity genes in psyllids. Production and mining of psyllid cDNA libraries identified several genes linked to stress adaption (heat shock proteins, hsp70, hsp90), insecticide resistance (cytochrome P450) and immunity (Glutathione-S Transferase, and Cu-SOD). Examination of the gene expression of transcripts from these genes in response to heat shock, wounding and insecticide (imidacloprid) treatments showed moderate responses. The information provides insights into how psyllids respond biologically to chemical stress. Applications of this information will aid efforts to develop more effective management strategies which integrate insecticides to reduce the spread of huanglongbing in citrus.