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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 #403335
Research Project: Identifying Vulnerabilities in Vector-host-pathogen Interactions of Grapevine and Citrus Pathosystems to Advance Sustainable Management Strategies

Location: Crop Diseases, Pests and Genetics Research

Title: AC-DC Electropenetrography to study effects of chemical compounds on details of arthropod vector feeding behaviors

Author
item Backus, Elaine
item COOPER, ANASTASIA - Kansas State University
item PICKENS, VICTORIA - Kansas State University
item REIF, KATHRYN - Kansas State University

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/15/2023
Publication Date: 8/16/2023
Citation: Backus, E.A., Cooper, A., Pickens, V., Reif, K. 2023. AC-DC Electropenetrography to study effects of chemical compounds on details of arthropod vector feeding behaviors. Meeting Abstract.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: It was once very challenging to study the detailed feeding behaviors of piercing-sucking vectors of pathogens (infecting either plants or animals). Their piercing mouthparts penetrate opaque host tissues, preventing direct, visual observation. The invention of electropenetrography (EPG) overcame this challenge. EPG has been used for over 50 years to study the effects of insecticides and natural products on feeding behaviors underlying plant-pathogen transmission, primarily by tiny, plant-feeding vectors aphids and whiteflies. Recent advances in EPG technology via the 3rd-generation, AC-DC electropenetrograph are opening new doors to studies of animal-pathogen vectors mosquitoes and ticks. Opportunities now exist to study effects of chemical compounds on blood feeding underlying animal-pathogen transmission. The purpose of this talk is to encourage new research avenues by 1) briefly explaining the abilities of the AC-DC electropenetrograph, 2) reviewing study results on effects of compounds on feeding by plant-pathogen vectors, to inspire future research on blood feeding by animal-pathogen vectors, and 3) presenting example waveforms and study results from new EPG research on mosquitoes and ticks.