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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Fort Pierce, Florida » U.S. Horticultural Research Laboratory » Subtropical Insects and Horticulture Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #136614
Title: NEW SET OF EXPRESSED SEQUENCE TAGS FROM TOXOPTERA CITRICIDA (KIRKALDY), BROWN CITRUS APHID (HEMIPTERA: APHIDIDAE).

Author
item HUNTER, WAYNE - 6618-5-10
item CHAPARRO, JOSE - 6618-5-05
item BAUSHER, MICHAEL - 6618-5-05
item MCKENDREE, WILLIAM - 6618-5-05
item Shatters, Robert - Bob
item DANG, PHAT - 6618-5-05
item McKenzie, Cindy
item SINISTERRA, XIOMARA - UNIV. OF FLORIDA

Submitted to: Journal of Insect Science
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/12/2003
Publication Date: 7/31/2003
Citation: Hunter, W.B., Chaparro, J.X., Bausher, M.G., Mckendree, W., Shatters, R.G., Dang, P., Mckenzie, C.L., Sinisterra, X.H. 2003. New set of expressed sequence tags from toxoptera citricida (kirkaldy), brown citrus aphid (hemiptera: aphididae).. Journal of Insect Science.

Interpretive Summary: The brown citrus aphid, BrCA, is the major vector of citrus tristeza virus, CTV, in citrus. CTV is a limiting factor in citrus production nationwide. This is the first BrCA cDNA library identifying genes and their predictive functions in aphid biology. The objective of this study was to gather an understanding of the genes controlling critical elements of aphid biology so that these may be exploited in the development of new management strategies agains BrCA so that the spread of CTV in citrus can be reduced. Control of BrCA and reduction of CTV spread will benefit the U.S. citrus industry by increasing production for domestic and foreign markets.

Technical Abstract: The brown citrus aphid, BrCA, Toxoptera citricida (Say), is considered the primary vector of citrus tristeza virus, CTV, in citrus world-wide. There are currently no effective means of controlling this pest or the spread of CTV. Our focus is on elucidating the genes that are critical to aphid development and biology. Once these genes are identified they may be manipulated to develop novel management strategies against BrCA to reduce the spread of CTV. Over 2,600 genes were identified and their putative proteins predicted. Another 846 genes were determined to be unique to the BrCA. Genes specific to wing development were also sequenced and identified. Research is continuing to examine how best these genes may be manipulated to create an effective means of aphid management to reduce populations and the spread of CTV.