Location: Temperate Tree Fruit and Vegetable Research
Project Number: 2092-22000-022-007-R
Project Type: Reimbursable Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Oct 1, 2015
End Date: Jul 31, 2020
Objective:
Evaluate the role of non-cultivated plant species as reservoirs of potato psyllid and Liberibacter. Assess dispersal of potato psyllids. Develop molecular tools for detecting the host signal within the guts of potato psyllids. Develop technologies that can be used as novel control strategies for potato psyllid and Liberibacter.
Approach:
Field and laboratory studies to assess non-cultivated plants as reservoirs of psyllids and Liberibacter in the Pacific Northwest and to assess dispersal of psyllids. Molecular techniques to detect the host signal (matrimony vine vs bittersweet nightshade vs potato) within the guts of potato psyllids and use this knowledge to increase understanding of dispersal of psyllids. Use the information to develop technologies that can be used as novel control strategies for psyllids and Liberibacter.