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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Parlier, California » San Joaquin Valley Agricultural Sciences Center » Crop Diseases, Pests and Genetics Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #377333
Research Project: Identification of Novel Management Strategies for Key Pests and Pathogens of Grapevine with Emphasis on the Xylella Fastidiosa Pathosystem

Location: Crop Diseases, Pests and Genetics Research

Title: 3D Illustrated Anatomy of the Functional Foregut of Blue-green Sharpshooter, Vector of Xylella fastidiosa

Author
item WHITE DANIEL - University Of California
item Backus, Elaine
item MARCUS, IAN - University Of California
item WALKER, SHARON - Drexel University
item ROPER, M. CAROLINE - University Of California

Submitted to: Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/11/2020
Publication Date: 11/11/2020
Citation: White Daniel, Backus, E.A., Marcus, I.M., Walker, S.L., Roper, M. 2020. 3D Illustrated Anatomy of the Functional Foregut of Blue-green Sharpshooter, Vector of Xylella fastidiosa. Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting. Available: https://www.eventscribe.com/2020/entomology2020/searchGlobal.asp?mode=presentations&SearchQuery=Backus.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Sharpshooter leafhoppers (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Cicadellinae) are important vectors of the plant pathogenic bacterium Xylella fastidiosa Wells et al. (Xanthomonadales: Xanthomonadaceae). This pathogen causes economically significant diseases in olive, citrus, and grapes on multiple continents. Bacterial acquisition and inoculation mechanisms are linked to X. fastidiosa biofilm formation and fluid dynamics in the functional foregut of sharpshooters, which together result in egestion (expulsion) of fluids likely carrying bacteria. One of the most efficient X. fastidiosa vectors is the blue-green sharpshooter, Graphocephala atropunctata Signoret. In this presentation, a 3D model of the blue-green sharpshooter functional foregut is displayed. The model was derived from a meta-analysis of microscopy images of blue-green sharpshooter heads. The model is used to illustrate preexisting and newly defined anatomical terminology that is relevant for investigating fluid dynamics in the functional foregut of sharpshooters. The 3D illustrations herein are suitable resources for multidisciplinary researchers who may be unfamiliar with insect anatomy. The 3D model can also be used in future fluid dynamic simulations to better understand acquisition, retention, and inoculation of X. fastidiosa. Improved understanding of these processes could lead to new targets for breeding crops that will be resistant to X. fastidiosa.