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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #93316
Title: A SIMPLE PROTEIN MARKING ELISA TO QUANTIFY PARASITOID DISPERSAL

Author
item Hagler, James
item Jackson, Charles
item GOULD, JULI - USDA-APHIS, PHOENIX, AZ
item CIOMPERLIK, MATT - USDA-APHIS, MISSION, TX

Submitted to: National Research and Action Plan for Silver Leaf Whitefly
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/1/1998
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Laboratory and field studies were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of marking whitefly parasitoids with a protein prior to enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In the laboratory, adult Eretmocerus mundus and Encarsia formosa were marked with the readily available mammal protein, rabbit immunoglobulin G (IgG), by 3 different application methods. Adult parasitoids were marked internally by feeding them a honey solution "spiked" with rabbit protein and externally by contact exposure or topical mist. Marked individuals were then assayed using a sandwich ELISA for the presence of the protein marker using an antibody specific to rabbit IgG. Data indicate that the IgG marker was retained throughout the entire adult life span in almost every individual parasitoid assayed, regardless of the application method used. In the field, adult Eretmocerus from The United Arab Emirates were internally marked by feeding them a honey solution spiked with rabbit protein. The marked parasitoids were then released into the center of a cotton field that was surrounded by cantaloupe and okra. Data indicate that the marking technique was very effective for monitoring parasitoid dispersal. The passive suction fan traps were very effective at recapturing the released parasitoids.