BIOLOGICAL CONTROL OF HOMALODISCA COAGULATA

• Author(s): Jones, Walker;
• Abstract: Although the glassy-winged sharpshooter (GWSS), Homolodisca coagulata (Say), occurs throughout the Lower Rio Grande Valley (LRGV) of Texas, it is never abundant and is usually difficult to locate. Although there is an extensive local citrus industry, eggs are only occasionally found in orchards. This insect appears to be most evident in urban areas. Earlier, informal surveys were conducted to collect egg parasitoids for shipment to California for release. Following extensive examination of various plant species, it was found that oviposition occurred during two fairly distinct generations, most abundantly on the native leguminous tree, Texas mountain laurel, Sophora secundiflora (Ortega) Lag. ex D.C. (Leguminoseae) and varieties of crape myrtle, Lagerstroemia indica L. (Lythraceae). Once their favorite oviposition hosts were indentified in 2000, a survey was begun to assess the impact of parasitism and predation of egg masses. Also, a qualitative survey of breeding hosts was made.
• Publication Date: Dec 2002
• Journal: 2002 Pierce's Disease Research Symposium