Geographical survey of the mycobiome and microbiome of Southern California glassy-winged sharpshooters.

The glassy-winged sharpshooter, Germar, is an invasive xylem-feeding leafhopper with a devastating economic impact on California agriculture through transmission of the plant pathogen, . While studies have focused on or known symbionts of , little work has been done at the scale of the microbiome (the bacterial community) or mycobiome (the fungal community). Here, we characterize the mycobiome and the microbiome of across Southern California and explore correlations with captivity and host insecticide resistance status.

Efficient CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome modification of the glassy-winged sharpshooter Homalodisca vitripennis (Germar).

CRISPR/Cas9 technology enables the extension of genetic techniques into insect pests previously refractory to genetic analysis. We report the establishment of genetic analysis in the glassy-winged sharpshooter (GWSS), Homalodisca vitripennis, which is a significant leafhopper pest of agriculture in California. We use a novel and simple approach of embryo microinjection in situ on the host plant and obtain high frequency mutagenesis, in excess of 55%, of the cinnabar and white eye pigmentation loci.

Arthropod communities in a selenium-contaminated habitat with a focus on ant species.

The selenium contamination event that occurred at Kesterson Reservoir (Merced Co., CA) during the 1970-80s is a frequently cited example for the negative effects of contamination on wildlife. Despite the importance of arthropods for ecosystem services and functioning, relatively little information is available as to the impacts of pollution on arthropod community dynamics.

Impact of selenium on mortality, bioaccumulation and feeding deterrence in the invasive Argentine ant, Linepithema humile (Hymenoptera: Formicidae).

Ants are known for the important roles they play in processes contributing to ecosystem functioning in many habitats. However, pollutants can impact the ecosystem services provided by ants. The Argentine ant, an invasive species in North America, was investigated for the potential impact selenium (Se) may have on ants residing within a contaminated habitat.