The role of insect feeding and plant defense responses in Aster Yellows disease epidemiology

The Challenge

The migratory and mysterious nature of Aster leafhoppers pose a challenge in managing Aster Yellows. It is currently unclear why Aster Yellows affects canola more than other crops and little is known about plant hormonal defense responses.

The Project

Quantify the feeding behaviour of Aster leafhoppers on different host plants and examine the relationship between feeding time and infection of Aster Yellows, while establishing feeding and reproductive preferences of the leafhoppers to determine plant hormone defense mechanisms.

The Results

This section will be updated upon completion of the project.

Grower Benefits

This project will provide important information for the development of improved pest management practices for Aster leafhoppers and Aster Yellows disease, leading to reduced yield loss.