ARS | Publication request: Analysis of genetic relationships between potato psyllid (Bactericera cockerelli) populations in the United States, Mexico and Guatemala using ITS2 and inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) data

Submitted to: Subtropical Plant Science
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: September 16, 2009
Publication Date: September 21, 2009
Citation: Jackson, B.C., Goolsby, J., Wyzykowski, A., Vitovksy, N., Bextine, B. 2009. Analysis of genetic relationships between potato psyllid (Bactericera cockerelli) populations in the United States, Mexico and Guatemala using ITS2 and inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) data. Subtropical Plant Science. 61:1-5.

Interpretive Summary: The potato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli (Sulc), is an important factor in Zebra Complex (ZC), a disease that causes economic losses on potato crops. Although the exact cause of ZC is not yet known, it may be related to the toxicity of psyllid saliva, pathogens transmitted by this insect, or a combination of factors. Different combinations of these factors have produced ZC-like symptoms in preliminary laboratory experiments. Two putative biotypes of B. cockerelli exist, which may differ in their ability to transmit associated pathogens or toxins. The identification of potato psyllids is further confused by migration of populations over long distances across the central USA. Genetic fingerprinting was used to compare potato psyllids from different parts of the southern United States, central Mexico, and Guatemala. Understanding population movement should help growers more effectively develop management practices that target psyllid populations.

Technical Abstract: The potato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli (Sulc), is an important factor in Zebra Complex (ZC), a disease that causes economic losses on potato crops. Although the exact cause of ZC is not yet known, it may be related to the toxicity of psyllid saliva, pathogens transmitted by this insect, or a combination of factors. Different combinations of these factors have produced ZC-like symptoms in preliminary laboratory settings. Two putative biotypes of B. cockerelli exist, which may have different salivary toxin profiles or may differ in their ability to transmit associated pathogens. The identification of potato psyllids is further confused by migration of populations over long distances. In this study, ITS2 sequence data and ISSR markers were used to compare populations of B. cockerelli samples from geographically isolated populations from southern United States, central Mexico and Guatemala. Understanding population movement should help growers more effectively develop management practices that target psyllid populations that are involved in the disease system.