MONITORING THE SEASONAL INCIDENCE OF XYLELLA FASTIDIOSA IN GLASSY-WINGED SHARPSHOOTER POPULATIONS

• Author(s): Castle, Steven; Prabhaker, Nilima; Toscano, Nick;
• Abstract: The seasonal incidence of Xylella fastidiosa in GWSS populations will be examined using a combination of analytical and experimental techniques. Collections of live GWSS adults will be made at various locations in southern California throughout the year at regular intervals. Live insects will be confined individually to grapevine plants (var. Chardonnay) to determine what proportion from the field transmit Xf. Following a 3 day inoculation access period, each test insect will be processed accordingly for detection of Xf by PCR, ELISA, and/or culturing techniques. By examining sufficient numbers of insects from the field and comparing transmission test results to analytical results, the relative efficiencies of each technique at identifying infected or infectious insects will be determined. Moreover, the seasonal occurrence of infectious insects will be determined and may provide guidance for when to be most vigilant for protecting against primary spread of Xf into vineyards.
• Publication Date: Dec 2004
• Journal: 2004 Pierce's Disease Research Symposium