Rearing Animal And Plant Pathogen Vectors

This book provides an integrated description of methods used to rear vectors of human, higher animal, and plant pathogens in the laboratory. It deals with diverse subject areas, and contains descriptions of standard, as well as highly specialized, methods used by medical, veterinary, entomology, and plant pathology experts. The text brings together

Pathogens, Vectors, and Plant Diseases: Approaches to Control is a collection of papers that discusses how vector host interactions, vector ecology, and disease epidemiology can be applied to disease prevention and control. The book deals with innovative strategies pertaining to control of vector-borne viruses and viral infections in plants. One paper discusses nonpesticidal control of vector-borne viruses including soil solarization that uses solar energy for crop protection, and insect sterilization through radiation, chemosterilants or genetic modifications. Another paper discusses chemicals that interfere with nucleic acid and protein synthesis; as these interactions pose no hazards to animal (mammals), the chemicals are suitable for controlling viral diseases. One author examines the use of oil sprays and reflective surfaces as a means of controlling plant viruses transmitted by insects. In the United States, the entry of vector-borne plant pathogens is controlled by plant quarantine. One author lists several ways in effective quarantine procedures, as well as, the safe importation of potential vectors as cultures. This book is suitable for environmentalists, biologists, conservationists, agriculturists, botanists, and researchers in botany and plant genealogy.

This volume brings together information on the laboratory maintenance and handling of a range of vectors of animal and plant pathogens. Those who should find it useful include microbiologists, medical and veterinary researchers, entomologists, virologists, parasitologists and geneticists.

Volume 9 in this series consists of four chapters on vectors that affect human or animal health and six chapters on plant pathogens and their vectors. In Chapter 1, Alex S. Raikhel discusses vitellogenesis in mosquitoes: the cornerstone of the reproductive cycle involving massive production of yolk precursors by the fat body and their accumulation in developing oocytes. In anautogeneous mosquitoes, vitellogenesis is dependent on the availability of a blood meal and, as a consequence, is linked to transmission of pathogens. Therefore, elucidation of mechanisms governing the mosquito vitellogenesis is critical for the successful development of novel strategies in vector and disease management. Previous reviews on mosquito vitellogenesis have dealt predominantly with hormonal control. The goal of this review, however, is to summarize significant progress which has been achieved in understanding mosquito vitellogenesis at the cellular, biochemical and molecular levels. It is with these disciplines that we expect to fully understand the mechanisms governing this key process in mosquito reproduction.

Phytoplasma-associated diseases are a major limiting factor in the context of the quality and productivity of many ornamental, horticultural and other economically important agricultural crops worldwide. Annual losses due to phytoplasma diseases vary, but under pathogen-favorable conditions they have disastrous consequences for the farming community. As there is no effective cure for these diseases, the management options focus on their exclusion, minimizing their spread by insect vectors and propagation materials and on the development of host plant resistance. This book discusses the latest information on the epidemiology and management of phytoplasma-associated diseases, providing a comprehensive, up-to-date overview of distribution, occurrence and identification of the phytoplasmas, recent diagnostics approaches, transmission, losses and geographical distribution as well as management aspects.

Authored by an integrated committee of plant and animal scientists, this review of newer molecular genetic techniques and traditional research methods is presented as a compilation of high-reward opportunities for agricultural research. Directed to the Agricultural Research Service and the agricultural research community at large, the volume discusses biosciences research in genetic engineering, animal science, plant science, and plant diseases and insect pests. An optimal climate for productive research is discussed.

Vectors of Plant Pathogens is a collection of papers that discusses the interrelationship of plant pathogens with their vectors. This collection deals with the numerous vector groups associated with plant pathogens. One paper describes the biology, feeding behavior and distribution of aphids, leafhoppers, plant hoppers, mealy bugs, whiteflies, psyllids, membracids. Another paper addresses the virus transmission characteristics of the mealy bugs during preliminary fasting or feeding, acquisition access time, post-acquisition fasting or feeding, and the inoculation access time. Other papers also discuss the involvement of insects in transmitting bacterial and fungal pathogens; the authors list unresolved issues such as the role of insects in overwintering of bacterial pathogens or the association of the fungus with a particular vector. One author describes some suspected fungi transmission such as the pea stem necrosis virus, red clover necrotic mosaic virus, and the tomato bushy stunt virus. Another paper examines the fate of plant viruses in mite vectors and convectors particularly the viruses found in wheat, barley, or brome grass. Agriculturists, botanists, and researchers in the field of botany, conservation, and plant genealogy will find this book useful.

Addressing principles associated with breeding animals for enhanced health and resistance to specific diseases, this book provides a review of the field illustrated with examples covering many diseases of importance to livestock production, across all major livestock species. Authored by experts in the field, this updated edition covers techniques and approaches, viruses, TSEs, bacteria, parasites, vectors, and broader health issues seen in production systems, including metabolic diseases. The book will be an essential reference for professionals in the field, scientists and researchers, students, breeders, veterinarians, agricultural advisors and policy makers.