You Transmit What You Eat: Gut Content Analysis of Beet Leafhoppers and Pathogen Transmission
Insect vectors are notoriously difficult to manage due to their ability to utilize a wide range of host plants across seasons. Improving vector management requires novel approaches that assess host use across space and time to predict pathogen transmission dynamics. Molecular gut content analysis of vector insects has been instrumental in identifying host use but is often limited by its inability to directly link hosts to pathogen transmission. Here, we integrate gut content analysis with pathogen incidence to determine the role of various host plants in Circulifer tenellus (Baker) (Beet leafhopper: Hemiptera: Cicadellidae)movement and pathogen spread. We tested 236 leafhoppers collected from 15 sites over three years to assess host utilization and pathogen acquisition. Our results confirm that C. tenellus acquire pathogens from Sisymbrium spp. and Brassica spp. (wild mustards) in the spring, while Salsola spp. (Russian thistle) and Bassia spp. (kochia) serve as primary C. tenellus hosts throughout the summer. A new discovery, we detected gut content from trees, including Tilia spp. (linden), Prunus spp./Pyrus spp. /Citrus spp (fruit), and Tsuga spp./Pinus spp, (pine) suggesting previously unknown host interactions. These findings refine our understanding of vector ecology and highlight the importance of host use patterns in predicting pathogen transmission, ultimately improving risk assessments and integrated pest management strategies.
My research focuses on insect vectored diseases and precision pest management in vegetable and cannabis crops. I perform gut content analysis of leafhoppers using high-throughput sequencing to determine seasonality of host plants throughout the Columbia Basin. I received my Bachelor of Science from Boise State University in Anthropology, where I studied ethnobotany, music, and dance. When not doing research, I am active in the MPS seminar committee, volunteering at entomology outreach and education events, or meeting with politicians to promote local hemp production. I enjoy rafting, playing guitar, and gardening.