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ARS Home » Plains Area » Manhattan, Kansas » Center for Grain and Animal Health Research » Hard Winter Wheat Genetics Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #297927
Title: Molecular markers for identification of Hessian fly males caught on pheromone traps

Author
item Chen, Ming-Shun
item WHEELER, SHANDA - Kansas State University
item DAVIS, HOLLY - Kansas State University
item WHITEWORTH, JEFF - Kansas State University
item KNUTSON, ALLEN - Texas A&M University
item GILES, KRISTOPHER - Oklahoma State University
item SKINNER, MARGARET - University Of Vermont

Submitted to: Journal of Economic Entomology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/12/2014
Publication Date: 4/28/2014
Citation: Chen, M., Wheeler, S., Davis, H., Whiteworth, J.R., Knutson, A., Giles, K.L., Skinner, M. 2014. Molecular markers for identification of Hessian fly males caught on pheromone traps. Journal of Economic Entomology. 107(3):1110-1117.

Interpretive Summary: Hessian fly is a major pest of wheat. Pheromone sticky traps have been used to monitor Hessian fly populations in the field in recent years. Because Hessian fly male adults are small and fragile, it is difficult to visually distinguish Hessian flies from other similar insects such as fungus gnats on traps. This study has established a quick and reliable method to correctly distinguish Hessian fly males from other insects. The method should provide a useful tool to molecularly identify Hessian fly individuals on pheromone sticky traps or in other situations when Hessian fly eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults are difficult to distinguish from other insects.

Technical Abstract: Pheromone traps have been widely used to monitor insect populations in nature. However, pheromone traps for the Hessian fly (Mayetiola destructor), one of the most destructive insect pests of wheat, have been used only in recent years. Because Hessian fly male adults are small and fragile, it is difficult to visually distinguish Hessian flies from related insects such as fungus gnats on pheromone traps. In this study, we have established a quick and reliable method based on PCR markers to correctly distinguish Hessian fly males from other closely related insects. Two Hessian fly-specific markers were established, one based on the trypsin gene MDP-10 and the other based on a gene encoding the salivary gland protein SSGP31-5. Both markers can identify Hessian fly specifically with a high rate of success using DNA samples prepared from single insects. The method should provide a useful tool to molecularly identify Hessian fly individuals on pheromone traps or in other situations when Hessian fly eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults are difficult to distinguish from other insects.