DEVELOPMENT OF AN ARTIFICIAL DIET FOR THE GLASSY-WINGED SHARPSHOOTER

• Author(s): Cohen, Allen; Lauziere, Isabelle; Lawrence, Fanrong; Morgan, David; Simmons, Gregory;
• Abstract: This work is directed at the development of an artificial diet and a diet-based rearing system for Homalodisca coagulata. The approach taken to this work is to analyze the feeding mechanism and feeding dynamics of H. coagulata in order to use this information as a guide to the feeding needs of this insect. The assumptions behind this work are that the profile of components in xylem sap used by H. coagulata will be an optimal or at least suitable diet for this species, and details of the feeding biology of this insect (such as knowledge of specific feeding strategies and digestive enzymes) will help identify its dietary needs (Cohen 2003). Towards this end, studies were undertaken to pinpoint the details of feeding biology of this species, including how the insect may impact changes in the plants sap profile.
• Publication Date: Dec 2002
• Journal: 2002 Pierce's Disease Research Symposium