ARS | Publication request: LYGUS LINEOLARIS (HEMIPTERA: MIRIDAE) AS A GENETIC MANIPULATION TARGET ORGANISM

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Other
Publication Acceptance Date: February 28, 2006
Publication Date: March 1, 2006
Citation: Allen, M. L. 2006. Lygus lineolaris (Hemiptera: Miridae) as a genetic manipulation target organism. Meeting Abstract.

Technical Abstract: Genetic manipulation is defined as insertion of genes into a different species, so that the behavior of the new (or changed) gene can be examined in the target organism. One possible result of genetic manipulation is the production of a transgenic organism. Examples of transgenic organisms are “Roundup Ready” plants and Bt (insect resistant) plants. Insects are difficult to manipulate, limited by available tools, available methods, and manageability of insect species. Insects must be available for fresh egg collection and handling, including microinjection. Both mass rearing techniques and small scale rearing techniques must be mastered for the insect. Additionally, a translucent and immobile stage must be available for transgenic screening. Visible genetic markers, like fluorescent proteins, must be available and visible in the chosen insect. Only when insect rearing and handling issues are managed successfully can the powerful functional genomic utility of manipulation be fully utilized. Progress towards the goal of genetically modifying Lygus lineolaris, the tarnished plant bug, has been made by raising and examining eggs of L. lineolaris, and identifying potential problems associated with microinjection.