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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 #168710
Title: GENE EXPRESSION IN ACYRTHOSIPHON PISUM (HEMIPTERA: APHIDIDAE)

Author
item Hunter, Wayne
item Dang, Phat
item STERN, D. - UNIV. PRINCETON, NJ

Submitted to: National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI)
Publication Type: Other
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/11/2004
Publication Date: 3/11/2004
Citation: Hunter, W.B., Dang, P.M., Stern, D. 2004. Gene expression in acyrthosiphon pisum (hemiptera: aphididae). National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI).

Interpretive Summary: Aphids as a group spread more plant diseases than any other insect group. The development of new types of insect controls will depend upon our understanding of insect genetics. By comparing the genetic differences among different types of aphids we will have a better understanding of how to control these widespread insect pests. Therefore, to better understand what is happening inside the pea aphid. The genetic elements relating to specific biological properties were identified. Some of these are related to aphid reproduction, wing development, feeding and digestion. By identifying the digestive enzymes and their functions scientist will have the understanding necessary to design methods to protect plants from feeding by aphids, thus reducing the impact of aphid-transmitted plant diseases.

Technical Abstract: Examination of the genetic differences between aphids that can transmit citrus tristeza virus, CTV, and those which cannot, may lead to a greater understanding of the virus-aphid interactions necessitating virus acquisition and transmission. Since a cDNA library had been completed the previous year for the brown citrus aphid, a vector of CTV, a second aphid cDNA library was made to a non-CTV aphid vector, the pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum. Comparisons between these two genetic datasets will provide a better understanding of the dynamics of aphid feeding, digestion, development, and may elucidate elements related to virus interactions that were previously unknown. Identification of the numerous proteins actively involved in feeding and digestion from aphids will provide specific targets for the development of new methods of control aimed at disrupting aphid feeding and ultimately reducing the acquisition and transmission of plant viruses which cause disease.