A PCR fragment from an eye pigment-transport gene (a white gene) was amplified from the Hessian fly using the 5’and 3’ RACE method. The PCR fragment had high identity/similarity to white genes from other insect species. Recovery of cDNA and genomic clones will reveal the nature of the loss of function in the Hessian fly white phenotype. In situ hybridization of a white clone to salivary polytene chromosome will reveal the function of the X-linked white mutation. A white gene from Hessian fly can serve as a marker gene for use in the development of a gene transfer system.
Species 1: Diptera Cecidomyiidae Mayetiola destructor (Hessian fly)
Keywords: white-eye gene, Hessian fly
The ESA 2001 Annual Meeting - 2001: An Entomological Odyssey of ESA