I'm a first year Masters student for the Department of Entomology and Nematology. My research is focused on how the genetic variation of Lethal bronzing is playing a major role in its impact to the Floridian landscape, aside from the increasing population of invasive hemipteran vectors. By detecting the presence of phytoplasma 16Sr-IV in various palm samples, and using primers to amplify genes connected to its resistance, the sequences in return can allow us to study its successful dispersal. I hope to correlate its progression with its variation from palm samples through out the state of Florida.
