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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #111236
Title: IRIDOVIRUS INFECTION OF CELL CULTURES FROM THE DIAPREPES ROOT WEEVIL, DIAPREPES ABBREVIATUS.

Author
item Hunter, Wayne
item Lapointe, Stephen

Submitted to: Journal of Insect Science
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/3/2003
Publication Date: 12/15/2003
Citation: Hunter, W.B. and S.L. Lapointe. 2003. Iridovirus infection of cell cultures from the Diaprepes root weevil, Diaprepes abbreviatus. Journal of Insect Science. 3:36.

Interpretive Summary: The citrus root weevil, Diaprepes abbreviatus, is a major pest of citrus in Florida, the Caribbean, and threatens citriculture in Texas and California. This is the first report of the development of primary cell cultures produced from this pest. By developing specific weevil cell cultures it will be possible to use these cells as a method for screening potential pathogens, such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi for use in controlling these devastating citrus pests.

Technical Abstract: The citrus root weevil, Diaprepes abbreviatus, is a major pest of citrus in Florida and the Caribbean threatening citriculture in Texas and California. This is the first report of the development of a primary cell culture produced from this pest. Eggs and neonates were used as starter tissues. Primary weevil cell cultures were maintained by replacing one-third of medium with fresh at 10 day intervals for 6 months. Cells have undergone 12 passages. Fibroblasts make up the dominant cell type in culture. These cells lines will be used to screen for pathogens against the citrus weevil.