ARS | Publication request: Twelve polymorphic microsatellite loci from the Asian Citrus Psyllid, Diaphorina citri (Kuwayama), the vector for citrus greening disease (Huanglongbing)

Submitted to: Molecular Ecology Notes
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: May 22, 2007
Publication Date: November 1, 2007
Citation: Boykin, L.M., Bagnall, R., Frohlich, D.R., Hall, D.G., Hunter, W.B., Katsar, C.S., McKenzie, C.L., Rosell, R.C., Shatters, R.G. 2007. Twelve polymorphic microsatellite loci from the Asian Citrus Psyllid, Diaphorina citri (Kuwayama), the vector for citrus greening disease (Huanglongbing). Molecular Ecology Notes. 7(6):1202-1204.

Interpretive Summary: Diaphorina citri (the Asian citrus psyllid) is the vector of a plant bacterial pathogen that is the most serious citrus pest worldwide causing a disease known as citrus greening or Huanglongbing. Originating in Asia, this insect pest was introduced into the U.S. in the late 1990s. In 2005, citrus greening symptoms were observed in the U.S and presence of the bacterial agent was confirmed. Although there has been significant research on the biology of D. citri, almost nothing is known about the genetic diversity of this insect in the U.S. and worldwide, and on how its genetics influence vectoring of the greening disease agent. This report describes the identification of genetic markers, termed microsatellite loci, for D. citri that can be used to begin to understand the genetic complexity within D. citri populations in the U.S. and how this compares to D. citri populations worldwide. This information will allow a better understanding of how the insect moved into the U.S. and allow us to model continued movement of this insect within the U.S. It will also be used to determine if variation in the ability to vector the greening agent exists within the U.S. populations of D. citri.

Technical Abstract: Twelve polymorphic microsatellite markers were developed from microsatellite-enriched DNA libraries and mined from an EST library of Diaphorina citri, the vector of the devastating citrus greening disease (Huanglongbing). Analysis of 288 individuals from Florida, Texas, and Brazil showed allelic diversity ranged from 3 to 8 alleles per locus and the observed and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.014-0.569 and 0.052-0.653, respectively. These variable microsatellite loci can provide means for assessing overall genetic variation and migration patterns for this agriculturally important pest species. Understanding the genetic variation and movement of D. citri will aid in developing successful management strategies.