Applied and Environmental Microbiology (2007) 73, 7531-7535

A.K. Hansen, G. Jeong, T.D. Paine and R. Stouthamer (2007)
Frequency of secondary symbiont infection in an invasive psyllid relates to parasitism pressure on a geographic scale in California
Applied and Environmental Microbiology 73 (23), 7531-7535
Abstract: Two endosymbionts, an obligate primary symbiont and a facultative secondary symbiont, are harbored within the invasive red gum (eucalyptus) lerp psyllid, Glycaspis brimblecombei, in California. An extensive survey of diversity and frequency of G. brimblecombei 's secondary symbiont in multiple populations throughout the state of California was conducted using PCR detection, restriction enzymes, cloning, and sequencing. A total of 380 G. brimblecombei individuals in 19 populations were screened for secondary symbionts. Based on molecular screening results, only one type of secondary symbiont was present in G. brimblecombei populations in California. Overall, 40% of the 380 psyllids screened were infected with the secondary symbiont. Interestingly, secondary symbiont infection frequencies in G. brimblecombei populations varied dramatically from 0 to 75% and were significantly related to parasitism pressure by Psyllaephagus bliteus, a solitary endoparasitoid of the psyllid.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Richard Stouthamer, Allison K. Hansen

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
general biology - morphology - evolution
biocontrol - natural enemies
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
general biology - morphology - evolution

---

Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Glycaspis brimblecombei	Eucalypt (Eucalyptus)	U.S.A. (SW)
Psyllaephagus bliteus (parasitoid)	Glycaspis brimblecombei	Eucalypt (Eucalyptus)	U.S.A. (SW)