ASHS 2024 Conference

Crapemyrtle bark scale (CMBS; Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae), an invasive insect pest threatening horticultural industries, has spurred the search for sustainable control methods. Our recent research focused on two key aspects of CMBS behavior: feeding and mating. In feeding, our studies revealed that while nicotine does not affect the phloem salivation process in CMBS, it significantly impairs the insect’s ability to ingest phloem sap, suggesting that nicotine interferes with the precise muscular coordination in the acephalothoracia region of CMBS, thereby offering a potential mechanism for chemical control. By identifying the genes that encode nicotinic receptors, we can pinpoint potential chemical targets to disrupt CMBS feeding behavior. In studying mating behavior, we found that mating is crucial for CMBS reproduction. Solid-phase micro-extraction and GC/MS assays revealed that CMBS release unique volatile compounds at different life stages. By identifying the genes responsible for sex pheromone production and pheromone receptors, our research lays the groundwork for developing pheromone-based traps and mating disruption strategies. Moreover, the discovery of juvenile hormone receptors and their expression at various developmental stages suggests additional opportunities to hinder CMBS growth and reproduction. We are conducting a comprehensive genomic analysis of CMBS using PacBio SMRT, Hi-C, and Illumina genome sequencing. This genomic framework will be used to develop innovative pest control strategies to control CMBS populations while supporting integrated pest management (IPM) techniques and reducing environmental impact.