Author
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HENNEBERRY, THOMAS |
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Submitted to: CDFA Pierce's Disease Control Program Research Symposium
Publication Type: Proceedings Publication Acceptance Date: 12/1/2001 Publication Date: 12/1/2001 Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: The Glassy-winged sharpshooter (GWSS). Homalodesca coagulata has become a serious threat to California's grape industry because of its relatively high efficiency in transmitting the bacteria Xylella fastidiosa that causes Pierce's Disease (PD). The bacterium multiplies in the vine xylem tissue and ultimately limits water transport that results in the death of the vine. Historically, efforts to reduce insect vector populations with insecticides to prevent the occurrence of plant disease spread have not been very successful. More promising results have occurred with insect behavior modifiers such as repellents that prevent or limit the vector feeding or other activity. Natural chemicals like leaf and seed extracts from the neem tree. Azadirachta indica A. Juss (Meliacae) are behavior-modifying substances. Insect growth regulators (IGR) that modify growth and development may also have a place in glassy-winged sharpshooter management. Also, incorporation of these biorationals in chemical control systems can lower selection pressure against GWSS by conventional insecticides and be an important part of resistance management. Some of the products have biological properties such as repellency, feeding and oviposition deterrence, hormone like growth disrupting activity, and low mammalian toxicity. They are also less toxic to natural enemies of pests than synthetic insecticides. |
