ARS | Publication request: Epidemiology of xylellae diseases in the San Joaquin Valley of California: the role of alfalfa

Submitted to: Entomology Society of America Pacific Branch Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: January 25, 2008
Publication Date: February 15, 2008
Citation: Sisterson, M.S., Thimmiraju,, S.R., Daane,, K., Groves,, R.L. 2008. Epidemiology of xylellae diseases in the San Joaquin Valley of California: the role of alfalfa. Entomology Society of America Pacific Branch Meeting. Available: http://groups.ucanr.org/pbesa/files/50028.pdf.

Technical Abstract: Pierce’s disease of grape and almond leaf scorch disease are both caused by various stains of the bacterial pathogen Xylella fastidiosa. The pathogen is vectored by xylem feeding insects. Within the San Joaquin Valley of California, the green sharpshooter (Draeculacephala Minerva) is one of the most important vectors. This insect is often found in large numbers in cultivated alfalfa fields and alfalfa is a known host of X. fastidiosa. Studies were initiated to assess the importance of alfalfa in the epidemiology of xylellae diseases in the San Joaquin Valley of California. Specifically, we: 1) assessed the suitability of alfalfa to serve as a host of X. fastidiosa, 2) estimated the incidence of X. fastidosa in alfalfa fields, and 3) monitored green sharpshooter populations in alfalfa fields. Results from these studies will be reported.