Discovering New Phytoplasma Strains in Texas: A Study on Insects and Wild Grasses

Danielle Rios

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

2024

Abstract

Hemipterans are vectors of disease who transmit bacterial phytoplasma disease to crops and native vegetation. Disease symptoms include yellowing and whitening of leaves, proliferation, and phyllody, leading to decline or death of the host plant. While phytoplasma is found in crops of Texas, its presence in wild grasses remains understudied. The invasive yellow bluestem (Bothriochloa ischaemum) grass has dispersed over a large range and is associated with an invasive leafhopper known to spread disease elsewhere. This study will determine potential phytoplasma presence in Texas grasses and hemipterans, as well as identify associated hemipteran species. Collected data suggests there is phytoplasma in grass while insects are yet to undergo screening. Furthermore, collected data has identified most hemipteran species associated with collected grasses. This study is significant as it provides baseline data that could then be used to assess ecological threats to neighboring crops and native grass species.

Comments

Studies in Ecology
BLH 266

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