Assessing DNA degradation of important plant pathogens and their associated vectors on sticky traps in Florida

Lethal Bronzing (LB) and Huanglongbing (HLB) are harmful plant diseases currently causing significant economic losses in Florida agriculture. Both diseases are caused by bacteria that are transmitted by Hemipteran insect vectors. Various palms in the family Arecaceae are susceptible to LB, including both ornamental and agricultural palms. Accurate detection of plant pathogens within insect vectors can help provide a better understanding of disease epidemiology. Monitoring of the vector of LB is done primarily by utilizing sticky traps within palm canopies. However, it is unknown how long the pathogen and vector DNA remain intact under field conditions. If significant DNA degradation takes place over the course of days or weeks, there is a possibility of false negatives occurring when detecting pathogens from these surveys. This study aims to determine how long Haplaxius crudus and LB DNA can remain intact on sticky traps under field conditions in Florida. Additionally, this study will compare the DNA degradation of Diaphorina citri and Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, the causal agent of HLB. Therefore, the difference in degradation between two plant disease systems will be demonstrated. This will allow surveys for both vectors and pathogens in field settings to be optimized for future use.