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Title: DATA SET: GLASSY-WINGED SHARPSHOOTER, EXPRESSED SEQUENCE TAGS, EST'S, FROM ADULT HOMALODISCA COAGULATA (SAY), (HEMIPTERA: CICADELLIDAE)

Author
item Hunter, Wayne
item Dang, Phat
item Bausher, Michael
item COSTA, H - UNIV. OF CALIFORNIA

Submitted to: Genbank
Publication Type: Other
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/5/2003
Publication Date: 4/10/2003
Citation: Hunter, W.B., Dang, P.M., Bausher, M.G., Costa, H. 2003. Data set: Glassy-winged sharpshooter, expressed sequence tags, est's, from adult Homalodisca Coagulata (Say), (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae). Genbank. Accession numbers CF194966-CO644458. Available http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/

Interpretive Summary: This is the first cDNA dataset of expressed genes for the Glassy-winged sharpshooter, GWSS, which is an important insect vector of a bacterial disease, Xylella, which kills grapes and affects many other crops. Currently, there is no known cure for the disease. The GWSS is a serious economic threat to the grape industry, affecting wine, raisin, and fresh table grape production as it spreads disease throughout North America. Understanding the genes, which control GWSS biology, development, and reproduction, are key to the development of new, environmentally friendly, and sound management strategies. Using expressed sequence tags, ESTs, scientist have isolated, identified, and 'tagged' genes, which are functioning in the GWSS. These genes are then compiled into a database for use by scientist around the world to facilitate a more rapid understanding of GWSS biology. This will facilitate the development of new insect management strategies and tools for use against GWSS. Management strategies developed in this manner can also provide great insights on how to control other insect pests. The GWSS database will help scientists understand the molecular basis of leafhopper growth and development, and address many fundamental questions concerning GWSS physiology, biochemistry, cell biology, and pathology. The sequence information will also expand our understanding of all leafhopper biology as a group.

Technical Abstract: The first cDNA library for genes isolated from adult glassy-winged sharpshooters, GWSS, Homalodisca coagulata (Say) has been produced. Scientist at the U.S. Horticultural Research Laboratory in Ft. Pierce, Florida, initiated a project to analyze expressed sequence tags (ESTs), mirror images of fragments of genes and the proteins they make. Because they can be used to scan for, and tag active genes, ESTs are an important tool for identifying and isolating insect genes. Through the use of this GWSS cDNA library we will be able to address important scientific questions related to leafhoppers and will rapidly advance research on these insects. The information provided by this database will also act as a direct model for hundreds of thousands of closely related insect species. Such a database will help scientists to identify genes critical to leafhopper biology, to understand the molecular basis of leafhopper growth and development, and to address fundamental questions concerning GWSS physiology, biochemistry, cell biology, pathology, thus providing the impetus for the development of new methods of pest management to stop the spread of Pierce's Disease, and other diseases caused by Xylella fastidiosa.