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CC BY V4.0, Open Access
Thesis
Host Use and Trapping of X-Disease Vector Colladonus montanus reductus (Van Duzee) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae)
Washington State University
Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
01/2021
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.7273/000003121
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/124439
Abstract
X-disease phytoplasma, the phloem-limited pathogen that causes X-disease, is spread between Prunus trees through grafting (including root grafting) or feeding by its leafhopper vectors (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae). Infection by this phytoplasma in stone fruit (e.g., cherries and peaches) causes fruit to become underdeveloped and misshapen, and therefore unmarketable. Colladonus geminatus (Van Duzee) and C. montanus reductus are thought to be the most important vectors spreading this disease in Washington State, due to their high relative abundance and established vector capacity. However, little is known about C. m. reductus biology, particularly outside of California where it was considered the primary vector in an X-disease epidemic in the 1980s. This thesis focuses on C. m. reductus host use, phenology and vertical distribution between the groundcover and canopy. First, I review the literature on Colladonus spp. leafhoppers and their role in X-disease transmission in the Western United States. Next, I present feeding trials describing adult feeding behavior on potted cherry or peach fruit trees, and broadleaf plants commonly found in orchard groundcover. I observed leafhoppers feeding on trees and four broadleaf plants, and found eggs deposited on the underside of leaves in mallow and clover, as well as on blades of grass growing voluntarily in one of the pots. I also worked with grower collaborators to track leafhopper numbers after harvest. In addition to the first peak of leafhoppers commonly found before harvest in April and May, these efforts helped identify one period of peak abundance after harvest in July and August, and another in October. In another study, by trapping leafhoppers in the canopy and groundcover I observed the highest leafhopper activity occurring mid-day between 10AM and 6PM, with lower counts on traps in the early morning, evening or night. Finally, I evaluated thirteen trap prototypes for their ability to catch X-disease vectors so that they may be used to preserve specimens for genetic testing. These findings, and particularly the use of broadleaf weedy plants as feeding and oviposition hosts are currently being used to develop management plans for X-disease through reducing leafhopper and phytoplasma hosts within commercial stone fruit blocks.
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Details
- Title
- Host Use and Trapping of X-Disease Vector Colladonus montanus reductus (Van Duzee) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae)
- Creators
- Abigail Clarke
- Contributors
- Tobin D Northfield (Advisor)Elizabeth H Beers (Committee Member)Scott J Harper (Committee Member)William R Cooper (Committee Member)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Entomology, Department of
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University
- Number of pages
- 76
- Identifiers
- 99900651899001842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis