Cell lines derived from the squash bug, Anasa tristis (Coreidae: Hemiptera)

Area of Science:

• Entomology
• Cell Biology
• Pest Management

Background:

• The squash bug (Anasa tristis) is a major pest of cucurbit crops.
• It causes direct crop damage and transmits plant pathogens.
• There is a need for tools to study squash bug biology and control methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish and characterize insect cell lines from Anasa tristis.
• To provide tools for basic research (virology, immunology) and applied studies (insecticide development).

Main Methods:

• Initiated 15 cell cultures using nine different media formulations.
• Identified optimal media: modified Kimura's medium and a combination of EX-CELL 420 and L15.
• Isolated and selected the most stable cell line (BCIRL-AtE-CLG15A).
• Characterized the cell line using DAF-PCR, determining doubling time and cell diameter.

Main Results:

• Successfully established two Anasa tristis cell lines: BCIRL-AtE-CLG11 and BCIRL-AtE-CLG15.
• BCIRL-AtE-CLG15A exhibited consistent replication with a doubling time of 190 hours and a mean cell diameter of 14.5 ± 0.7 μm.
• The cell line was molecularly characterized using DAF-PCR.

Conclusions:

• The developed Anasa tristis cell line (BCIRL-AtE-CLG15A) is a valuable resource for scientific research.
• This cell line is now available globally to researchers for various applications.
• Facilitates advancements in understanding insect pathology and developing pest management strategies.