Project Number: 6618-22000-025-00
Project Type: Appropriated

Start Date: Apr 04, 2002
End Date: Aug 31, 2005

Objective:
Conduct research on aspects of vector biology and ecology of insects transmitting Pierce's disease and the causative Xylella fastidiosa bacterium, including approaches that utilize moecular tools that will facilitate development of management tools to reduce movement and spread of the vectors and the disease. Research will primarily focus on and have application to Pierce's disease on grapes grown in the Southeastern U.S., but will also be applicable to management of Pierce's disease in California. It is expected that the Ft. Pierce effort will coordinate closely with the ARS effort in Parlier, California.

Approach:
Pierce's disease, is one of several bacterial diseases caused by Xylella fastidiosa, and is vectored by the glassy-winged sharpshooter. Pierce's disease prevents widespread cultivation of wine and table grapes in the Southeastern U.S. Pierce's disease is an increasing concern in California because of the recent discovery of the glassy-winged sharpshooter vector, thus threatening the nation's grape and wine industries. Xylella also causes "Scorch" diseases in many other tree crops, and ornamentals, severly limiting production of agricultural crops where Xylella and its vectors occur. Citrus variegated chlorosis, CVC, is also caused by this bacterium. Although CVC is not currently present in the United States, the introduction of CVC would be devastating. Citrus and nursery stock growers would have to bear the costs for inspection and treatments to curb the spread of this disease and its vector. International trade has already been restricted by importing countries; Australia has banned imports of California grapes. If not contained, Pierce's disease, will severely impact both domestic and international markets of U.S. agriculture. Aspects of vector biology, interactions with biocontrol agents, vector pathogens, and/or chemicals that may be used in strategies to control the vector, and/or inhibit transmission of Xylella, will be used. Substances that increase plant resistance or augment biocontrol will be evaluated for inclusion in biological and IPM programs. Plant compounds will be identified and evaluated for their role in insect resistance. Citrus, vegetable and ornamental germplasm will be screened for disease and insect resistance; for germplasm improvement. Vector-pathogen relations will be biochemically and biologically characterized. Current and emerging agricultural problems associated with the leafhopper vector will be incorporated into the research program.

Project Team

Hunter, Wayne Hall, David

Project Annual Reports

FY 2003   FY 2002

Related National Programs

Plant Diseases (303)   Crop Protection & Quarantine (304)

Related Projects

Gwss Biology and Transmission of Xylella    Development of Markers for Marker-Assisted Selection in Grapes for Resistance to Pierce's Disease and Feeding by Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter