IDENTIFYING KEY PREDATORS OF THE VARIOUS GLASSY-WINGED SHARPSHOOTER LIFESTAGES

• Author(s): Daane, Kent; de Le?n, Jesse; Fournier, Valarie; Groves, Russell; Hagler, James; Costa, Heather; Prabhaker, Nilima;
• Abstract: Glassy-winged sharpshooter (GWSS) egg-specific monoclonal antibody (MAb) and GWSS-specific genetic markers have been developed for use as diagnostic tools for predator gut content analysis. Feeding trials were conducted to determine how long a MAb-based ELISA can detect GWSS remains in the guts of Chrysoperla carnea and Harmonia axyridis. We found that C. carnea can yield positive ELISA reaction for the presence of GWSS egg antigen for up to 24 hours after eating an egg. Further results showed that the detection period of GWSS egg antigen in H. axyridis is less than 6 hours. Using mitochondrial COII primers specific to GWSS, we obtained successful amplification of GWSS DNA fragments from H. axyridi that consumed six GWSS eggs. Optimization tests are underway to increase the efficacy of GWSS-specific genetic primers to detect pest DNA in predator guts. Feeding trials with additional predators (Zelus renardii, Sinea diadema, and several spider species) are currently being performed.
• Publication Date: Dec 2004
• Journal: 2004 Pierce's Disease Research Symposium