REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY AND PHYSIOLOGY OF FEMALE GLASSY-WINGED SHARPSHOOTERS

• Author(s): Peng, Christine; Zalom, Frank; Hummel, Natalie; Toscano, Nick;
• Abstract: Female and male GWSS have been collected from July 2001 to September 2004 at monthly or bimonthly intervals from citrus hosts at UC Riverside Agricultural Operations. A sub-sample of 10 females per month was dissected to determine ovary rank of the specimens collected. Dissections of these female specimens reveal repeated patterns related to the proportion of previtellogenic females in the field. These patterns indicate two distinct generations each year with a possible third generation late in the season. Sampling will conclude in December 2004, and analysis will be completed to develop a model of female vitellogenesis cycles. A host plant study, completed in the summer of 2002, in which adult male and female GWSS were caged on grape, citrus, and oleander, has suggested differences in female fecundity and offspring survival. This study is currently being repeated. SEM studies have been completed and found a large number of sensilla on the female ovipositor. Morphology of these sensilla suggests that they may have mechanosensory or chemosensory functions. Histological studies of the female reproductive organs at varying stages of vitellogenesis are currently being analyzed.
• Publication Date: Dec 2004
• Journal: 2004 Pierce's Disease Research Symposium