Location: Systematic Entomology Laboratory
Project Number: 8042-30300-001-000-D
Project Type: In-House Appropriated
Start Date: Dec 12, 2024
End Date: Dec 11, 2027
Objective:
Objective 1. Develop innovative microscopy and microanalysis methods to characterize arthropod plant pests, pathogens, and parasite-vector-host interactions. (C1, PS1B; C2, PS2A, PS2B; C3, PS3B)
Sub-objective 1: Enhance discovery and innovation through merging electron micrographs with photomicrographs using artificial intelligence.
Sub-objective 2: Improve and optimize histological clearing methods to study pathogen transmission via in situ fluorescence microscopy and localization of plant pathogens inside arthropod vectors.
Objective 2. Generate standardized, open-access protocols and training materials using microscopy for the identification of arthropod plant pests, pathogens, and vectors. (C1, PS1B; C2, PS2B, PS2D; C3, PS3B)
Objective 3. Investigate and utilize novel micro-morphological character systems to identify and differentiate arthropod vector species. (C1, PS1B; C2, PS2A, PS2B; C3, PS3B)
Sub-objective 1: Fundamental research on ultrastructure and composition of arthropod cuticles to support unified classification and naming scheme.
Sub-objective 2: Morphology-based identification and differentiation of plant disease vectors in Acari.
Approach:
The Electron and Confocal Microscopy Unit (ECMU) provides microscope access to ARS, Northeast Area, and Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC) scientists in need of high-resolution imaging, especially for the identification and diagnosis of agricultural pests and pathogens. Images captured by the ECMU regularly provide scientists with a new understanding of the interactions between these organisms and their hosts and often yield elegant insights into microscopic worlds. The facility is equipped with state-of-the-art electron microscopes [transmission (TEM) and scanning (SEM)], a confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM), fluorescent and bright field microscopes, and all necessary equipment to prepare samples for observation. If existing methods are inadequate, new techniques and methodologies, fluorochromes, specimen holders, and equipment are designed, developed or purchased. The results are dramatic, high-resolution, colorized, digitally archivable images for identification and diagnosis of many of the most critically important pests and diseases affecting agriculture.