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Submitted to: Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only Publication Acceptance Date: 7/20/2006 Publication Date: 9/14/2006 Citation: Sisterson, M.S. 2006. Egg Load Dynamics of Homalodisca coagulata [abstract]. Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting. online - http://esa.confex.com/esa/2006/techprogram/paper_26075.htm Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: The glassy winged sharpshooter, Homalodisca coagulata, poses a threat to California's grape industry due to its ability to vector Xylella fastidiosa, the causal agent of Pierce's disease. This insect is an exotic pest in California and is currently the subject of an area wide suppression program. A more detailed understanding of glassy winged sharpshooter population dynamics would increase the effectiveness of this program. The intrinsic rate of increase is a key population parameter that describes the ability of insect populations to grow and is a function of the birth and death rate of the insect. Studies were initiated to estimate the first half of this quantity, the birth rate of the glassy winged sharpshooter. Field collected nymphs were reared to the adult stage and dissected 0, 4, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after adult emergence to determine egg load. In addition, adult longevity and oviposition curves were estimated for adults held over their entire lifespan. Future studies will focus on estimating death rates of glassy winged sharpshooter under field conditions. |
