AC AND DC EPG WAVEFORMS OF GLASSY-WINGED SHARPSHOOTERS ON CHRYSANTHEMUM AND GRAPE

• Author(s): Habibi, Elaine; Yan, Fengming;
• Abstract: TGlassy-winged sharpshooter, Homalodisca coagulata (Homoptera: Cicadellidae), is a new vector of Pieces disease bacterium, Xylella fastidiosa, threatening production of grape and other fruits in California. Long-term management of this disease will rely on host plant resistance, which will be (could be approached) aided by a complete understanding of the vectors feeding behaviors associated with bacterial transmission. EPG (electrical penetration graph) monitoring is a powerful tool to investigate feeding behaviors of sucking insects on plants. Both AC and DC EPG were used for the first time to study recorded feeding behaviors of sharpshooters on Chrysanthemum and grape. The waveforms were categorized into pathway, xylem ingestion and interruption phases, and were correlated and verified with feeding sites on the plant, insect body postures, watery excretory droplets, and histological observation of salivary sheaths within plant tissues.
• Publication Date: Dec 2002
• Journal: 2002 Pierce's Disease Research Symposium