Annie Paradis, Joe Elkinton

University of Massachusetts

Primary Interests:

woolly adelgid population genetics, adelgid survival and fecundity, mortality factors

HWA Objective:

We are interested in documenting the level of genetic variation in the woolly adelgid throughout the introduced range using AFLP's
(amplified fragment length polymorphism) and possibly microsatellite loci. Specific goals include: 1) Characterizing variation among different spatial scales such as individual branch, tree, hemlock stand, region, and entire range; 2) Determining if differences exist between cold hardy and cold
susceptible individuals as well as individuals found on 'susceptible' vs. 'resistant' trees; 3) Providing information on adelgid dispersal patterns.
We are also investigating woolly adelgid survival and fecundity among sites exhibiting various levels of stress and between 'susceptible' and 'resistant' trees. Causes of mortality and their relative importance will also be examined.