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Student 10-Minute Presentation

Plant-Insect Ecosystems

Student

Student Competition

Grad 10-min Competition: P-IE, Biocontrol - Parasitoids

Harnessing molecular tools to craft biological control strategies for X-disease vectors in cherries and stone fruit

Monday, November 11, 2024
8:48 AM – 9:00 AM MST
Location: Phoenix Convention Center, 127 C, PCC
Oral Presentation Student Competition
The increasing global homogenization, trade, and climate change are expected to escalate the prevalence of invasive species and emergent pests in the coming years. Washington State faces a significant threat from the re-emergence of X-disease, which endangers the Pacific Northwest tree fruit industry. X-disease, caused by Candidatus Phytoplasma pruni and transmitted by Colladonus leafhopper vectors, results in cherry trees producing small, bitter, and misshapen fruit, rendering them commercially unviable. Current management practices, which include controlling leafhopper vectors and removing infected trees, have led to substantial economic losses. Moreover, the heavy reliance on insecticides, particularly post-harvest, poses significant environmental risks and threatens the long-term health of agricultural ecosystems. This situation highlights the urgent need for sustainable pest management alternatives, such as biological control strategies. However, knowledge about the natural enemies of Colladonus leafhoppers in Washington State is limited. Our study introduces a strategy that could serve as a foundation for future biocontrol programs targeting emergent pests and invasive species. We developed a versatile 5-target multiplex qPCR assay to swiftly screen for Colladonus leafhopper species, the presence of X-disease phytoplasma, and two potential biological control agents—a big-headed fly and a pincer wasp—in a single run. This methodology aims to enhance the sustainability of pest management practices by integrating molecular tools with traditional biological control strategies, thereby improving the accuracy and efficacy of integrated pest management. Our approach not only addresses the immediate needs of the Pacific Northwest tree fruit industry but also provides a scalable model for managing similar threats.