Project Number: 6618-22320-001-13
Project Type: Reimbursable

Start Date: Jul 01, 2010
End Date: Aug 31, 2012

Objective:
To examine the specific interactions between Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) and Candidatus Liberbacter asiaticus (Las), the bacterium responsible for huanglongbing (HLB) or citrus greening disease. Substantial gaps and conflicting reports exist in our knowledge of the relationship between ACP and LAS. Thus, our research objectives are: a) to study cellular interactions, transmission barriers, and other factors affecting vector specificity and vector competence; and b) to clarify various acquisition and transmission parameters between ACP and Las.

Approach:
Q-PCR and fluorescence In situ hybridization (FISH) will be used to identify ACP organs and tissues that are infected by LAS. A time-course study will be used to find out if Las replicates or just accumulates in these tissues during the nymphal or adult stages. Traditional transmission experiments will be conducted to assess disease acquisition and transmission parameters.