ARS | Publication request: Biology and Genetics of the Strawberry Rootworm, Paria fragariae Wilcox

Submitted to: Entomology Society America Annual Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: February 20, 2009
Publication Date: March 8, 2009
Citation: Sampson, B.J., Kirker, G.T., Rinehart, T.A. 2009. Biology and Genetics of the Strawberry Rootworm, Paria fragariae Wilcox. Entomology Society America Annual Meeting. March 8-11, 2009.

Technical Abstract: The strawberry rootworm, Paria fragariae, is an emergent pest of ornamental nurseries in the southeastern US attacking a widening range of woody ornamentals. Conflicting observations regarding the biology and morphology of this insect have led us to believe that sub-species of Paria may exist in this region. Adult beetles collected from nurseries in MS, AL, and LA were extracted for genomic DNA and amplified using both mitochondrial (cytochrome oxidase) and nuclear (internally transcribed spacer regions and elongation factor 1-alpha) loci. Regions of interest were sequenced and used to construct phylogenies that represent the genetic differences among Paria found in this region. Preliminary data from this study will be presented along with updated observations on the biology and economic impact of this pest.