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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Wapato, Washington » Temperate Tree Fruit and Vegetable Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #405378
Research Project: Integrated Approach to Manage the Pest Complex on Temperate Tree Fruits

Location: Temperate Tree Fruit and Vegetable Research

Title: Tracking beneficial parasites to safeguard cherry production

Author
item REYES CORRAL, CESAR - Washington State University
item Cooper, William - Rodney
item HARPER, SCOTT - Washington State University
item NORTHFIELD, TOBIN - Washington State University

Submitted to: World Wide Web
Publication Type: Popular Publication
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/26/2023
Publication Date: 7/18/2023
Citation: Reyes Corral, C., Cooper, W.R., Harper, S., Northfield, T. 2023. Tracking beneficial parasites to safeguard cherry production. World Wide Web. July 18 2023; https://csanr.wsu.edu/tracking-beneficial-parasites-cherry-production/.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Researchers at the USDA-ARS in Wapato, WA have collaborated with scientists at Washington State University to identify several beneficial biological controls that may be key to long term management of cherry X-disease. X-disease has recently emerged as a major threat to cherry, peach, and nectarine production in the Pacific Northwest, producing small, bitter fruit. This disease is caused by a bacterium called Phytoplasma pruni, that is spread by insects called leafhoppers. There is no way to cure trees once infected, so the only management options are to suppress populations of the insect vectors or remove diseased trees and orchards. The researchers found that leafhopper vectors are often attacked by parasitic flies and wasps. Identification of these parasites will allow the researchers to develop strategies to implement biological controls in the fight against X-disease, leading to reduced use of insecticides.