Identification of Quadraspidiotus perniciosus using RADP-PCR
A molecular determination key for six Quadraspidiotus species, based on RADP-PCR, has been developed in Switzerland. The following species have been studied: Q. pyri, Q. marani, Q. ostreaeformis (native orchard pest), Q. perniciosus (not native in Switzerland - EPPO A2 quarantine pest), Q. gigas (living on poplar and willow) and Q. zonatus (living mainly on oak and beech). The authors stressed that no purification of the DNA prior to analysis is needed, the technique is highly reproducible and it can be used for both sexes and all developmental stages. By using this method, it is possible to identify the species of trapped adult males and therefore establish reliable data on the occurrence and distribution of Q. perniciosus which is an important quarantine pest for Switzerland.
Sources
Frey, J.F.; Frey, B. (1994) Species identification with RADP-PCR: a determination key for six species of the genus Quadraspidiotus MacGillivray (Diaspididae).
Phytoparasitica, 22 (3), 240-241.
Abstract of a paper presented at the "7th international symposium of scale insect studies", Bet Dagan (IL), 1994-06-12/17.