Project Number: 6204-22000-016-01
Project Type: Specific C/A

Start Date: Sep 01, 2000
End Date: Sep 30, 2004

Objective:
Develop molecular markers for identifying the sources of parasitic insect species successfully imported and established for the classical biological control of the Russian wheat aphid and the southern green stink bug and other projects.

Approach:
With the recent availability of molecular techniques, we now have the capability to identify specific populations of insects and plants using a variety of techniques generally referred to as "molecular markers." We propose to apply these techniques to determine the original source populations of parasitoids imported and released for two successful classical biocontrol programs: the Russian wheat aphid (RWA), Diuraphis noxia, and the southern green stink bug (SGSB), Nezara viridula. The parasitic Hymenoptera established under these two projects represent divergent taxonomic and behavioral (mating) systems. Specimens from as many known source populations as possible will be obtained from voucher collections, then will be characterized and compared with specimens collected from original release areas (Great Plains for RWA; California for SGSB). The information will be used to help determine which attributes specific strains possessed that made the programs successful. The data will also be used to guide future field studies.

Project Team

Jones, Walker Jose Amador - Center Director (956)969-4851

Project Annual Reports

FY 2003   FY 2002   FY 2001

Related National Programs

Crop Protection & Quarantine (304)