EXPLORATION FOR BIOLOGICAL CONTROL AGENTS IN THE NATIVE RANGE OF THE GLASSY-WINGED SHARPSHOOTER

• Author(s): Bextine, Blake; Goolsby, John; Skevington, Jeff;
• Abstract: Surveys in the native range of the glassy-winged sharpshooter (GWSS) Homalodisca vitripennis are continuing to discover nymphal parasitoids and to determine the ecology and phenology of GWSS in undisturbed natural areas. Fifteen sites with stands of native Vitis spp. in southeastern Texas have been surveyed monthly from October 2005 to present. The focus is on big-headed flies (Pipunculidae), which are known to be nymphal parasitoids of sharpshooters. Several methods have been used to survey for the parasitic flies, including yellow sticky cards, malaise traps, sweeping, hand collection, and tethered nymphal sentinels. Larval pipuculids have been dissected from hand collected Oncometopia orbona feeding on mustang grapes. Numerous adult Eudorylas spp. have been collected by sticky traps, sweeping, and malaise traps that may be associated with GWSS. Peak populations of Pipunculidae, including Eudorylas and Tomosvaryella spp., occurred in February and October. Populations of GWSS began to increase in March and peaked in July. GWSS adults collected in March from survey locations were all positive for the presence of Xylella fastidiosa in their foreguts.
• Publication Date: Nov 2006
• Journal: 2006 Pierce's Disease Research Symposium