Plant pathogen vectors

Aster leafhoppers can transmit a plant pathogen called aster yellows phytoplasma that causes economic losses in carrot and celery in Michigan. Our recent work focused on improving diagnostic methods and surveying the leafhopper community to determine which species vector aster yellows. 

Onion thrips management is challenging because these insects can vector plant diseases on their cuticle or in their guts. We are currently studying the interaction of onion thrips, their natural enemies and plant diseases with the goal of improving pest management in organic onions. The project is lead by M.S. student Natalie Constancio and is done in collaboration with Dr. Mary Hausbeck.

Department of Entomology

http://www.ent.msu.edu
288 Farm Lane
243 Natural Science Building
Michigan State University
East Lansing MI 48824
Phone 517-355-4633
Fax 517-432-7061

MSU AgBioResearch

109 Agriculture Hall
East Lansing, Michigan 48824
517-355-0123
http://agbioresearch.msu.edu/

Dr. Zsofia Szendrei

szendrei@msu.edu
517-974-8610
Vegetable Entomology Lab
Department of Entomology
Michigan State University
1129 Farm Lane, Room 348
Food Safety and Toxicology Bldg.
East Lansing MI 48824