Biocontrol Science and Technology (2020) 30, 548-558
Paul F. Rugman-Jones, William J. Roltsch and Richard Stouthamer (2020)
Species-specific multiplex PCR for the rapid diagnosis of egg parasitoids of light brown apple moth, Epiphyas postvittana, in northern California
Biocontrol Science and Technology 30 (6), 548-558
Abstract: The light brown apple moth (LBAM) was first detected in Alameda County, California, USA, in fall of 2006, triggering a major government response aimed at containment and eradication. The augmentative release of resident egg parasitoids was highlighted among several control methods to prevent the spread of LBAM in California. Egg parasitoids in the genus Trichogramma are utilised worldwide for the control of lepidopteran pests, including the control of LBAM in Australia. Surveys of the resident egg parasitoids attacking LBAM in California, carried out in 2009, resulted in the identification of five Trichogramma species: T. fasciatum, T. platneri, T. deion, T. nr pretiosum, and T. fuentesi. Of these, only T. platneri had previously been recorded in our study area. These initial identifications were based on ribosomal DNA sequences. To facilitate further monitoring of the distribution and abundance of these species, a species-specific multiplex-PCR (ssmPCR) was developed to allow rapid and affordable identification. To save further time and expense, we took away the traditional DNA extraction step and demonstrated that the method performs well when an intact wasp is placed directly into the amplification reaction. In all, per specimen identification is estimated to cost significantly less than one US dollar.
(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): Paul F. Rugman-Jones, William J. Roltsch, Richard Stouthamer
Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
identification/taxonomy
surveys/distribution/isolation
