Cycad Cone Beetles: a DNA Study -TCS Grant Proposal ABSTRACT A preliminary study of the mitochondrial gene 16S-rRNA in cycad cone beetles, indicates that it has great potential for use in taxonomic studies of cycad pollinators. Individual species of beetles suspected as being pollinators in different cycad species can be discriminated and identified based on the DNA sequence of this gene (ie. “DNA barcoding”). A phylogeny of cycad beetles can be constructed on this DNA data. Financial support is requested from The Cycad Society (TCS) to fund further DNA analysis and to help collect new beetle specimens from Asia for study.

INTRODUCTION Cycads are an ancient group of plants with high priority in conservation from both a scientific and a biodiversity perspective (Donaldson 2003). Once thought to be wind pollinated, studies in recent years (Norstog et al. 1986, Tang 1987, Donaldson 1997, Terry 2001, Hall et al. 2004, Kono & Tobe 2007, Procheş & Johnson. 2009) have clearly established that living cycads are pollinated by . Each cycad species or species group appears to be dependent on its own specialized pollinator(s) for reproduction. Consequently, an understanding of cycad pollination systems is critical in the formulation of conservation plans for cycads. Currently, ecological studies on cycad pollination in India, , Mexico and other countries is impeded by the poor understanding of the taxonomy of cycad pollinators. This is a grant proposal to The Cycad Society to help fund a DNA study of cycad beetles in Asia and the New World. DNA studies, along with ongoing morphological studies, will facilitate the recognition and description of beetles associated with cycad cones. This taxonomic work will provide a foundation for field workers to explore cycad pollination in more detail and thus determine which insects play the most critical roles in cycad pollination.

PROJECT MANAGERS (CV’s attached)

William Tang USDA APHIS PPQ South Florida, P.O. Box 660520 Miami, FL 33266 USA Telephone: (305) 492-1860 E-mail: [email protected]

Guang Xu Department of Plant, Soil & Insect Sciences University of Massachusetts Fernald Hall, B1 270 Stockbridge Road Amherst, MA 01003 Telephone: 413-545-1039 E-mail: [email protected]

MATERIALS AND METHODS The study systems Cycad beetles in three families containing at least 9 or more genera are the focus of this study:

Family: Erotylidae: New World: Pharaxonotha, Planismus & at least 1 other undescribed Asia: 2 undescribed genera Family: Belidae New World: Rhopalotria & Parallocorynus Family: Curculionidae Asia: Tychiodes & at least 2 other genera

DNA analysis The focus of this study is a single gene, named 16S-rRNA, which is located in the mitochondria of all multi-cellular organisms on earth. The gene has been demonstrated to be highly variable in most groups and is commonly used to decipher the evolutionary relations within groups of related genera and among species in species groups (Giribet et al. 2001). For techniques in sequencing this gene see (Kambhampati and Smith. 1995. Preliminary study by the project managers of this grant has shown that this gene is extremely useful in distinguishing cycad beetles found on different cycad species from different countries and islands. The individual DNA sequences of each beetle species appears to be unique and may be used in “DNA barcoding” – that is each cycad beetle can be identified soley on the basis of the DNA sequence of the 16S-rRNA gene.

Research Objectives for November 2010 – December 2011 1) Continue to sequence the 16S-rRNA gene for cycad beetles: Beetle samples are continuously being submitted by workers at various institutions including: University of Panama, Instituto de Ecologia (Mexcio), SERBO (Mexico), School of Basic and Applied Sciences (India), University of Guam, MBC (FL, U.S.A.), etc… for analysis. The extraction, amplification, and sequencing of DNA require chemicals which must be continuously replenished.

2) Conduct insect collecting expedition to Thailand: Nong Nooch Tropical Garden has agreed to host and assist an expedition to collect fresh cycad cone insects in Thailand for Jan-Feb 2011. Funds are needed for airfare, lodging and other logistical expenses

3) Scientific meetings and field collections in China: During CYCAD2011, which will be held in China in December 2011 at Fairy Lake Botanical Garden in the city of Shenzhen, results of this research will be presented and research relationships will be pursued. A) Slide presentation and scientific paper: a powerpoint presentation and scientific paper based on this research will be submitted to the cycad community at the CYCAD2011 meetings and in the proceedings based on these meetings B) Research relationships will be developed with Chinese researchers: We will pursue research opportunities with various researchers and institutions in China and other Asian countries during the meeting. The objective is to engage a wider number of scientists in collecting cycad beetles from a broader range of countries in Asia and surrounding areas.

AMOUNT OF FUNDING AND GENERAL BREAKDOWN OF EXPENDITURES A private corporation, SeqGen Inc., specializing in the maintenance of DNA sequencing equipment, has offered to fund a grant of $7000 or more to the project managers for this research. SeqGen Inc. wishes to submit this funding to the project managers through TCS. These funds will be disbursed in two parts: an initial grant of $2000 to be disbursed in 2010 or as soon as possible and a second grant of $5000 to be disbursed in 2011 based on a review of publication(s) or other evidence of progress. The project managers are not requesting more funds than what has been pledged, however, if TCS wishes to add funds to this amount it will be gratefully accepted. An approximate breakdown of how these funds will be spent is given in the table below.

Initial $2000 ITEM Estimated Expendable chemicals & equipment for DNA extraction, amplification and $700 sequencing for 2010 & early 2011 Visas for Thailand (1-2 persons) $100 Round trip airfare (partial cost for 1-2 persons) to Thailand during Jan-Feb $1200 (pollination period for most native Cycas) 2nd part of grant $5000 Expendable chemicals & equipment for DNA extraction, amplification and $1300 sequencing for late 2011 & early 2012 Lodging and travel expenses in Thailand (partial cost for 1-2 persons) $1500 Round trip airfare to China for CYCAD2011 (partial cost for 1-2 persons) $1200 Registration, lodging & per diem at CYCAD2011 (partial cost for 1-2 persons) $1000

HOW THE PROJECT FITS THE INTERESTS OF TCS This project pursues fundamental scientific knowledge on the reproduction of cycads, which fits into the TCS goal of supporting scientific research in cycads. Furthermore, the results of this research will enable graduate students and other researchers to accurately study and evaluate cycad pollinating beetles in the field. Information gained on these insects will allow conservation workers to incorporate conservation strategies for pollinating insects into those for cycads as a whole. Conservation of cycad populations and insect pollinators is mutually dependent. TCS support for this research will thus benefit conservation. Scientific & popular articles and powerpoint presentations of this research will educate both the scientific and general cycad public.

LITERATURE CITED Donaldson, J. S. 1997. Is there a floral parasite mutualism in cycad pollination? The pollination biology of Encephalartos villosus (Zamiaceae). Amer. J. Bot. 84: 1398-1406. Donaldson, J. 2003. Cycads Status Survey and Conservation Action Plan. IUCN, Gland, Switzerland and Cambridge, UK. Giribet G, Edgecombe GD, Wheeler WC. 2001. phylogeny based on eight molecular loci and morphology. Nature. 413:157-61. Hall, J. A., G.H. Walter, D.M. Bergstrom, & P. Machin. 2004. Pollination ecology of the Australian cycad Lepidozamia peroffskyana (Zamiaceae). Austral. J. Bot. 52: 333-343. Kambhampati S, Smith PT. 1995. PCR primers for the amplification of four insect mitochondrial gene fragments. Insect Mol Biol. 4(4): 233-6. Kono, M. & H. Tobe. 2007. Is Cycas revoluta (Cycadaceae) wind- or insect pollinated? Amer. J. Bot. 94: 847-855. Ma, Xiao-yan, Jian Shu-guang, Wu Mei, and Liu Nian. 2003. The population characters and conservation of Cycas debaoensis Y.C. Zhong et. C. J. Chen. Guihaia 23(2): 123-126. Norstog, K.J., D.W. Stevenson & K.J. Niklas. 1986. The role of beetles in the pollination of Zamia furfuracea L. fil. (Zamiaceae). Biotropica 18: 300-306. Procheş, Ş. & S.D. Johnson. 2009. Beetle pollination of the fruit-scented cones of the South African cycad, Stangeria eriopus. Am. J. Bot. 96: 1722-1730. Tang, W. 1987. Insect pollination in the cycad Zamia pumila (Zamiaceae). Am. J. Bot.74:90- 99. Terry, L.I. 2001. Thrips and weevils as dual, specialist pollinators of the Australian cycad Macrozamia communis (Zamiaceae). Int. J. Pl. Sci. 162: 1293-1305.

CURRICULUM VITAE William Tang

Home: 65 Corydon Dr. Miami Springs, FL 33166 (305) 863-9506

Work: USDA APHIS PPQ P.O. Box 660520 Miami, FL 33266 (305) 492-1860 Cell: (305) 796-8117

PERSONAL

Born 31 May 1960, Hong Kong Citizenship: U.S.A. Married, no children

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology with High Honors, University of California at Berkeley, June 1982.

Master of Science degree in Biology, University of Miami, Florida, December 1985. Thesis: Studies in Cycad Reproductive Biology.

AWARDS AND HONORS

Phi Beta Kappa, 1982.

Maytag Fellowship, University of Miami, 1982-1985.

PROFESSIONAL POSITIONS

United States Department of Agriculture, Officer 1988-1997, ENTOMOLOGIST 1997-present.

Fairchild Tropical Garden, Research Associate (adjunct staff), 1988-2004. Under this title I have served as:

-Montgomery Foundation/Fairchild Tropical Garden expeditions to Southeast Asia, coordinator and expedition member, 1994, 1995.

-4th International Conference on Cycad Biology, Organizing Committee Member (held May 1996 in Panzhihua, China).

IUCN Species Survival Commission, Cycad Specialist Group, Member 1995- present.

The Cycad Society, President 1993-1995.

Cycad Society of South Africa, Overseas Correspondent, 1992-present.

Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama, Research Assistant 1983.

PUBLICATIONS Papers in peer-reviewed scientific journals, proceedings, and other major publications 1) Tang, W. (1987) Insect pollination in the cycad Zamia pumila (Zamiaceae). American Journal of Botany 74: 90-99. 2) Tang, W., L. Sternberg and D. Price (1987) Metabolic aspects of thermogenesis in male cones of five cycad species. American Journal of Botany 74: 1555-1559. 3) Tang, W. (1987) Heat production in cycad cones. Botanical Gazette 148: 165-174. 4) Tang, W. (1989) Seed dispersal in the cycad Zamia pumila in Florida. Canadian Journal of Botany 67: 2066-2070. 5) Tang, W. (1990) Reproduction in the cycad Zamia pumila in a fire-climax habitat: an eight year study. Bulletin of the Torrey Botanical Club 117: 368-374. 6) Raskin, I., H. Skubatz, W. Tang and B. Meeuse (1990) Salicylic acid levels in thermogenic and nonthermogenic plants. Annals of Botany 66: 369-373. 7) Pellmyr, O., W. Tang, I. Groth, G. Bergstrom and L. Thien (1991) Cycad cone and angiosperm floral volatiles: inferences for the evolution of insect pollination. Biochemical Systematics and Ecology 19: 623-627. 8) Tang, W. (1993) Heat and odour production in cycad cones and their role in insect pollination. Pp. 140-147 in D. Stevenson and K. Norstog (eds) Proceedings of CYCAD 90, the Second International Conference on Cycad Biology. Palm & Cycad Societies of Australia, Milton. 9) Tang, W. (1993) Seed dispersal and reproductive effort in Zamia pumila. Pp. 148-157 in D. Stevenson and K. Norstog (eds) Proceedings of CYCAD 90, the Second International Conference on Cycad Biology. Palm & Cycad Societies of Australia, Milton. 10) Skubatz, H., Tang, W. and B. Meeuse (1993) Oscillatory heat-production in the male cones of cycads. Journal of Experimental Botany 44: 489-492. 11) Tang, W. (1995) Cycad trade in the Americas and its regulation by CITES. Pp. 9-17 in P. Vorster (ed) Proceedings of the Third International Conference on Cycad Biology. Cycad Society of South Africa, Stellenbosch. 12) Tang, W., H. Skubatz and B. Meeuse (1995) Circadian and oscillatory heat production in cycads cones. Pp. 129 in P. Vorster (ed) Proceedings of the Third International Conference on Cycad Biology. Cycad Society of South Africa, Stellenbosch. 13) Skubatz, H., E. Svee, B. Moore, W. Howald, W. Tang and B. Meeuse (1995) Oleic acid and its positional isomer, cis-vaccinic acid, in the appendix of Sauromatum guttatum, during anthesis. Plant Physiology 107: 1433-1438. 14) Tang, W., R. Oberprieler and S. Yang (1999) Beetles (Coleoptera) in cones of Asian Cycas: diversity, evolutionary patterns, and implications for Cycas taxonomy. Pp. 280-297 in C. Chen (ed) Proceedings of the Fourth International Conference on Cycad Biology. International Academic Publishers, Beijing. 15) Yang, S., W. Tang, K. Hill and P. Vatcharakorn (1999) Cycas pranburiensis (Cycadaceae) a new cycad from Thailand. Brittonia 51: 44-47 16) Donaldson, J., B. Dehgan, A. Vovides, and W. Tang (2003) Cycads in trade and sustainable use of cycad populations. Pp. 39-47 in J. Donaldson (ed.) Cycads Status Survey and Conservation Action Plan. IUCN, Gland, Switzerland and Cambridge, UK. 17) Tang, W., J. Donaldson, and T. Walters (2003) A unifying framework for cycad conservation. Pp. 54-57 in J. Donaldson (ed.) Cycads Status Survey and Conservation Action Plan. IUCN, Gland, Switzerland and Cambridge, UK. 18) Tang, W. (2004) Cycad insects and pollination. Pp. 383-394 in P.C. Srivastava (ed.) Vistas in Palaeobotany and Plant Morphology: Evolutionary and Environmental Perspectives Professor D.D. Pant Memorial Volume. U.P. Offset, Lucknow, India. 19) Tang, W. (2004) Seed position in a cone and its affects on sex determination in two species of Zamia. Pp. 92-101 in A. Lindstrom (ed.) Proceedings of CYCAD2002. Nong Nooch Tropical Garden, Bangkok. 20) Tang, W., A. Lindstrom and N. Liu (2004) Cycas debaoensis conservation project in China. Pp. 77-83 in A. Lindstrom (ed.) Proceedings of CYCAD2002. Nong Nooch Tropical Garden, Bangkok. 21) Terry, I., M. Roe, W. Tang and T. Marler (2009) Cone insects and putative pollen vectors of the endangered cycad, Cycas micronesica. Micronesica 41: 83-99. 22) Tang, W. (in press) Cone size in the Florida cycad Zamia integrifolia: Trade-off between seed size and seed number. Botanical Review 23) Tang,W.and C. W. O'Brien (in press) Distribution and evolutionary patterns of the cycad weevil genus Rhopalotria (Coleoptera: Curculionoidea: Belidae) with emphasis on the fauna of Panama. Botanical Review 24) Terry, I, W. Tang and T. Marler (in press) Pollination systems of island cycads: predictions based on island biogeography. Botanical Review 25) Terry, I, W. Tang, A. Taylor, J. Donaldson, R. Singh, A. Vovides and A. Cibrián Jaramillo (in press) An overview of cycad pollination studies. Botanical Review

Books 1) Tang, W. (1995) Handbook of Cycad Cultivation and Landscaping. Cycad Conservation Co., Miami. 2) Tang, W., S. Yang and P. Vatcharakorn. (1997) Cycads of Thailand. Nong Nooch Tropical Garden, Bangkok.

Articles in other journals and publications 1) Tang, W. (1983) Seed displays in cycads. Cycad Newsletter 6(3): 7-11. 2) Tang, W. (1985) Cycad trade and conservation. Encephalartos 4: 22-23. 3) Tang, W. (1985) Collecting and storing cycad pollen. Cycad Newsletter 8(2): 10-12. 4) Tang, W. and M. Collins (1985) Cycad pollen bank schedule. Cycad Newsletter 8(2): 17-18. 5) Tang, W. (1986) Pollinating cycads. Encephalartos 8: 16-19. 6) Tang, W. (1986) Cycad seeds and seedlings. Cycad Newsletter 9(2): 5-9. 7) Tang, W. (1986) Sex change experiment with Zamia pumila. Cycad Newsletter 9(2): 10-11. 8) Tang, W. (1987) Florida’s native cycad Zamia pumila. Fairchild Tropical Garden Bulletin 42(1): 17-23. 9) Tang, W. (1987) Heat and odor production in cycad cones. Fairchild Tropical Garden Bulletin 42(3): 12-14. 10) Tang, W. (1987) In the footsteps of C.J. Chamberlain: a Mexican cycad travelogue. Cycad Newsletter 10(3): 17-18. 11) Tang, W. (1989) In the heat of the night: notes on cycad sex. Cycad newsletter 12(1): 10-11. 12) Tang, W. (1989) Poem of the cycads. Cycad Newsletter 12(2): 3-4. 13) Tang, W. (1989) Evolutionary patterns in cycad cone size and shape. Encephalartos 18: 26-30. 14) Tang, W. (1989) Variation in female cones of Zamia pumila. Encephalartos 19: 35-37. 15) Tang, W. (1989) Another cycad monster. Encephalartos 20:20. 16) Tang, W. (1989) Male cycad cone structure and function. Encephalartos 20: 25-28. 17) Tang, W. (1989) The evolutionary history of African cycads. Cycad Newsletter 12(4): 2-10. 18) Tang, W. (1989) Intergeneric hybrids in cycads. Cycad Newsletter 12(4): 14-16. 19) Tang, W. (1989) The teenage cycad. Cycad Newsletter 12(4): 14-16. 20) Tang, W. (1990) Heat production in the flowers of an annona. Tropical Fruit World 1: 117. 21) Tang, W. (1990) Maturity in cycads. Encephalartos 24: 24-27. 22) Tang, W. (1990) The tropical rainforest cycads. Fairchild Tropical Garden Bulletin 45(2): 7-11. 23) Tang, W. (1990) The evolutionary history of Australian cycads. Cycad Newsletter 13(3): 2-9. 24) Tang, W. (1990) The fleshy coat of cycad seeds. Cycad Newsletter 13(3): 10-12. 25) Tang, W. (1990) Cycad seedlings in the wild. Cycad Newsletter 13(3): 13-15. 26) Tang, W. (1991) Defense mechanisms in cycads. Cycad Newsletter 14(3): 2-9. 27) Tang, W. and C. Hubbuch (1991) Cleaning cycad seeds. Cycad Newsletter 14(3): 10-12. 28) Tang, W. (1991) Growth rate of cycad trunks. Cycad Newsletter 14(3): 2-9. 29) Tang, W. (1992) Roots on Zamia cones. Encephalartos 28: 14-15. 30) Tang, W. (1992) Stem bulb on cone stalk in Zamia furfuracea. Encephalartos 29: 7. 31) Tang, W. (1992) Cycad seed bank: a perspective. Cycad Newsletter 15(1): 2-9. 32) Tang, W. (1992) Hurricane damage to cycads at Fairchild Tropical Garden. Cycad Newsletter 15(1): 10-15. 33) Tang, W. (1992) Literature review. Cycad Newsletter 15(1): 20-21. 34) Tang, W. (1993) CITES and the international trade in cycads. Excelsa 16: 127-131. 35) Tang, W. (1993) CYCAD 93. Cycad Newsletter 16(1): 4-11. 36) Tang, W. (1993) Fairchild Tropical Garden one year after hurricane Andrew. Cycad Newsletter 16(1): 14. 37) Tang, W. (1993) Literature review. Cycad Newsletter 16(1): 15. 38) Tang, W. (1993) Nectar-like secretions in female cones of cycads. Cycad Newsletter 16(2): 10-13. 39) Tang, W. (1993) Mate choice in cycads. Encephalartos 36: 27-29. 40) Tang, W. (1993) Multiple male cones in Cycas. Encephalartos 36: 34. 41) Tang, W. (1994) An introduction to Cycas in Asia. Journal of the Cycad Society 1: 2. 42) Tang, W. (1994) Pollination of some New World cycads. Palms & Cycads 43: 28-31. 43) Tang, W. (1994) Feral cycads. Encephalartos 39: 10-12. 44) Tang, W. (1994) Branched leaflets in Cycas. Encephalartos 40: 13-16. 45) Tang, W. (1995) The cycad corner Dioon spinulosum. The Broward Palm & Cycad Society (Newsletter) Sept. 1: pp. 5. 46) Tang, W. (1995) Abnormal cones in Zamia furfuracea. Encephalartos 41: 29. 47) Tang, W. and S. Yang. (1995) Cycas siamensis. Encephalartos 43: 4-11. 48) Tang, W. (1995) Stem injury in cycads: an experiment. Encephalartos 44: 26-29. 49) Tang, W. (1995) Hollow stems in Encephalartos. Encephalartos 44: 42-43. 50) Tang, W. (1995) Sex determination at the seed stage. The Montgomery News 3(1): 3. 51) Tang, W. (1996) Dominican Republic Zamia and CITES. Encephalartos 46: 18-21. 52) Tang, W. (1997) New pest threatens Cycas. Encephalartos 49: 14-17. 53) Tang, W. (1997) Taproot growing in wrong direction in Encephalartos hildebrandtii. Encephalartos 49: 22. 54) Tang, W. (1997) Dioon spinulosum. Encephalartos 50: 4-11. 55) Tang, W. (1997) Leaf production in Dioon spinulosum. Encephalartos 50: 21-23. 56) Tang, W. (1997) Pollination in Dioon. Palms & Cycads 57: 12-14. 57) Tang, W. (1998) Cycas hainanensis C.J. Chen ex W.C. Cheng, L.K. Fu & C.Y Cheng. Encephalartos 54: 4-10. 58) Tang, W. (1998) Cycads at Nong Nooch Tropical Garden. Encephalartos 54: 19-21. 59) Tang, W. (1998) The Biology of Cycads (Book Review). Cycad Newsletter 21(2): 8. 60) Tang, W. (1999) Rapid growth in cycads. Encephalartos 59: 16, 19. 61) Tang, W. (1999) Cycas tansachana. Encephalartos 60: 4-7, 9-10. 62) Tang, W. (1999) Insect visitors and pollination of cycad cones: a global view. Encephalartos 60: 7-14. 63) Tang, W. (1999) Leaflet abcission in Zamia, Ceratozamia and Microcycas. Encephalartos 60: 14-16. 64) Tang, W. (1999) Varieties of Cycas resistant to the Cycad Aulacaspis scale. Palm & Cycad Times 3(6): 8-11. 65) Tang, W. (1999) Cycads of Central Africa (Book Review). Cycad Newsletter 22(3): 12. 66) Tang, W. (2000) Biology and Conservation of Cycads (Book Review). Cycad Newsletter 23(1): 9. 67) Tang, W. (2000) Cycads at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Encephalartos 64: 16-17,19-20. 68) Tang, W. (2000) Cycad cone beetles shifting to new species. Encephalartos 64: 25-26. 69) Tang, W. (2000) Cruise ship cycads. Encephalartos 64: 31. 70) Tang, W. (2001) Cycads at the U.C Botanical Garden. Encephalartos 65: 23-25, 27-28. 71) Tang, W. (2001) California cycads: A visit with Dick Johnson. Encephalartos 65: 26, 30-31. 72) Tang, W. (2001) Cycas clivicola subsp. clivicola K.D. Hill. Encepahalrtos 67: 8-13. 73) Tang, W. (2001) Leaf succlent Cycas. Encephalartos 68:11, 20. 74) Tang, W. (2001) In search of Cycas revoluta. Encephalartos 68: 19-20, 25-30. 75) Tang, W., W.L. Chiu, and H. Pu (2001) The bamboo cycad and its relatives: taxonomy and distributions. Palms & Cycads 72: 3- 11. 76) Tang, W. (2002) Blue and red leaves in cycads. Encephalartos 69: 23-27. 77) Tang, W. (2002) Two new pests of Zamia in Florida. Encephalartos 69: 26-29. 78) Tang, W. (2002) CFPACS funds conservation project the Sangri-La cycad. The Palmateer 22(1): 14-15. 79) Tang, W. (2002) Chinese cycads for South Florida. Palm & Cycad Times 6(2): 1-3,12-15,17. 80) Tang, W. (2002) Cycads of Australia (book review). Cycad Newsletter 25(2): 13. 81) Tang, W. (2002) Cycads of the Puerto Rico Botanical Garden. Encephalartos 71: 20, 22-23. 82) Tang, W. (2002) The Greater Antilles and the cycads of Puerto Rico. Encephalartos 71: 16-22. 83) Tang, W. (2003) CFPACS funds conservation, school. The Palmateer 23(3): 11-12. 84) Tang, W. (2003) The southernmost palm (almost). Palmateer 23(3): 22-23,32. 85) Tang, W. (2003) Cycas lindstromii S.L. Yang, K.D. Hill and Hiep. Encephalartos 76:8-12. 86) Tang, W. (2003) Flood tolerance in cycads. Encephalartos 76: 27-33. 87) Tang, W. (2003) “Cycad hotel”: a model for understanding insect pollination in cycads. Encephalartos 76: 35-39. 88) Tang, W. (2004) Palms of St. Kitts and Nevis. The Palmateer 24 (2): 25-26 89) Tang, W. (2004) Conservation project in China revisited. The Palmateer 24 (4): 10-11. 90) Tang, W. (2004) Palms associated with Cycas debaoensis. The Palmateer 24 (4): 12-13. 91) Tang, W. (2004) Cycas pranburiensis S.L. Yang, W. Tang, K. Hill and P. Vatcharakorn. Encephalartos 80: 15-19. 92) Tang, W. (2004) Continental drift and the evolution of Asian Cycas. Encephalartos 80: 23-28. 93) Chemnick, J., R. Oberprieler, J. Donaldson, I. Terry, R. Osborne, W. Tang, and P. Forster (2004) Insect pollinators of cycads. Cycad Newsletter 27 (5): 3-7. 94) Tang, W. (2005) A tale of two cycad gardens. Encephalartos 81: 25-26. 95) Tang, W. and T. Skarlinsky (2005) Successful biocontrol of the cycad scale, Aulacaspis yasumatsui (Diaspididae): a case study in Miami, Florida. Cycad Newsletter 28(3-4): 18. 96) Tang, W. (2006) IUCN Cycad Specialist Group establishes subgroup to deal with growing menace from the cycas aulacaspis scale. Encephalartos 85: 20-21. 97) Tang, W. (2006) Cycads in New Zealand’s art deco city. Encephalartos 85: 22. 98) Tang, W. and A. Lindstrom (2006) Zamia amazonum D.W. Stevenson. Encephalartos 86: 12-19. 99) Tang, W. (2006) Continental drift and the evolution of South American cycads. Encephalartos 86: 26-31. 100) Tang, W. (2006) Cathedrals and cycads. Encephalartos 86: 24, 33. 101) Tang, W. (2006) Cycas debaoensis: “The Shangri-La Cycad” Cycad Newsletter 29(1): 10-11. 102) Tang, W. (2006) Cycad damage from hurricane Wilma. Encephalartos 87: 12, 14-15, 17. 103) Tang, W. (2006) Cycads at the Edison-Ford Winter Estate in Ft. Myers, Florida. Encephalartos 87: 15, 17. 104) Tang, W. (2006) Mallorca’s parliamentary cycad. Encephalartos 87: 21. 105) Tang, W. (2006) Cycad conference in India. Encephalartos 88: 11-12, 17-18. 106) Tang, W. (2007) Cycads at the Madrid train station. Encephalartos 90: 18, 27. 107) Tang, W. (2007) Cycad nursery in the Andes. Encephalartos 91: 20-21. 108) Tang, W. and R. Osborne (2007) Size is important. Encephalartos 92: 21-23. 109) Tang, W. (2008) Monaco: casinos and cycads. Encephalartos 93: 28-29. 110) Tang, W. (2008) TCS sponsors cycad expedition to China. The Cycad Newsletter 31(4): 4-9. 111) Tang, W. (2008) PACSOA joins Cycas debaoensis project. Palms & Cycads 99: 18-22. 112) Tang, W. (2008) PACSOA in China project. Palms & Cycads 101: 14-16. 113) Osborne, R and W. Tang (2009) Zamia polymorpha D. W. Stev., A. Moretti & Vázq. Torres. Encephalartos 98: 14-19. 114) Tang, W. (2010) Viewing palms in the western Mediterranean. The Palmateer 30 (1): 1-2, 28-31. 115) Tang, W. (2010) House fumigation and cycads. Encephalartos 99: 31-34. 116) Tang, W. (2010) Using Ceratozamia hildae as a screen/hedge. Encephalartos 99: 35-36. 117) Tang, W. (2010) Receptivity in female Cycas cones. Encephalartos 100: 48-49. CURRICULUM VITAE Guang Xu

Home: 990 North Pleasant Street B20 Amherst, MA 01002 (413) 546-1433

Work: Department of Plant, Soil, and Insect Science University of Massachusetts Fernald Hall B1 270 Stockbridge Road Amherst, MA 01003 (413) 545-1039 Cell: (413) 275-4718

PERSONAL

Born 24 November 1969, China Citizenship: China Married, no children

EDUCATION

Ph.D, Agricultural Entomology, Graduate School of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China, June 1998. Dissertation: Genetic variations and migration of Helicoverpa armigera.

Master degree of Entomology, Henan Agricultural University, ZhengZhou, China, June 1995. Studies on coccid inhabiting parasitic wasps in Southern China

Bachelor degree of Plant Protection, Henan Agricultural University, ZhengZhou, China, June 1992.

AWARDS AND HONORS

“Novel mutation in the para-homologous sodium channel gene associated with nerve insensitivity resistance to pyrethroid in Helicoverpa armigera.” won the Excellent Scientific Paper Prize, awarded by Journal of Applied and Environmental Biology in 2004.

“Geotypes and Migration Activities of Helicoverpa armigera” won the first prize of Science and Technology Progress, awarded by Ministry of Agriculture of People’s Republic of China in 1999 (National level prize in China).

“Studies on Parasitic Wasps of Forest Insect Pests in Henan Province” won the third prize of Science and Technology Progress, awarded by Science and Technology Associated Committee of Henan province in 1999.

NEW INSECT SPECIES DESCRIBED

Adelencyrtus brachycaudae Xu & Shi Adelencyrtus chinensis Xu & Shi Microterys hunanensis Xu & Shi

PROFESSIONAL POSITIONS

UMass Genomics Resource Laboratory /Department of Plant, Soil, and Insect Science, University of Massachusetts. Lab Manager and Research Assistant professor. Aug, 2007-present.

Dr. Stephen Rich’s Laboratory. Department of Plant, Soil, and Insect Science, University of Massachusetts. Research Associate, September 2005 – July 2007. Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University, Research Associate, June 2004 – August 2005.

Department of Biology and Institute of Arthropodology and Parasitology, Georgia Southern University, Research Associate. September 2001 – May 2004.

Crop Protection and Management Research Lab, USDA-ARS and Department of Entomology, University of Georgia. Postdoctoral Researcher. December 2000 – August 2001.

State Key Laboratory of Plant Disease and Insect Pests, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences. Research Entomologist, August 1998 – November 2000.

PUBLICATIONS Peer review papers:  Seth T. W., G. Xu, J. W. Stull, and S. M. Rich. 2009. Correlation between Tick Density and Pathogen Endemicity, New Hampshire. Emerging Infectious Diseases. 15(4): 585-587.  Rich, S.M., F.H. Leendertz, G. Xu, M. LeBreton, C.F. Djoko, M.N. Aminake, E.E. Takang, J. L.D. Diffo, B.L. Pike, B.M. Rosenthal, P. Formenty, C. Boesch, F.J. Ayala, and N.D. Wolfe. 2009 The origin of malignant malaria. Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA. 106, 14902–14907.  Guo B. Z., G. Xu, Y. G. Cao, C. C. Holbrook and E. E. Lynch. 2006. Identification and characterization of phospholipase D and its association with drought susceptibilities in peanut (Arachis hypogaea). Planta. 223(3): 512-520.  Xu G., Q. Q. Fang, Y. Sun, J. E. Keirans and L. A. Durden. 2005. Hard tick Calreticulin (CRT) gene coding regions have only one intron with conserved positions and variable sizes. Journal of Parasitology. 91(6): 1326-1331.  Liang G. M., G. Xu, G. R. Wang, K. M. Wu and Y. Y. Guo. 2005. Isolation and Purification of Aminopeptidase N (APNs), the Main Receptor Proteins for Bacillus thuringiensis toxin in Midgut of Helicoverpa armigera Larva. Journal of Agricultural Biotechnology. 13(1): 102-107.  Xu G., Q. Q. Fang, J. E. Keirans and L. A. Durden. 2004. Ferritin gene coding sequences are conserved among eight hard tick species. Annals of the Entomological Society of America. 97(3): 567-573.  Xu G., Q. Q. Fang, J. E. Keirans and L. A. Durden. 2004. Cloning and sequencing of putative calreticulin cDNAs from four hard tick species. Journal of Parasitology. 90(2): 73-78.  Wang G. R., G. Xu, W. J. Tan, K. M. Wu and Y. Y. Guo. 2004. Novel mutation in the para-homologous sodium channel gene associated with nerve insensitivity resistance to pyrethroid in Helicoverpa armigera. Chinese Journal of Applied and Environmental Biology. 10(3): 332-336.  Liang G. M., G. R. Wang, G. Xu, K. M. Wu and Y. Y. Guo. 2004. Purification of Aminopeptidase N protein and differences in cDNAs encoding APN1 between susceptible and resistant Helicoverpa armigera strains to Bacillus thuringiensis. Agricultural Sciences in China. 3(6): 456-467.  Li W. D., K. M. Wu, X. X. Chen, H. Q. Feng, G. Xu and Y. Y. Guo. 2004. Effects of transgenic cotton carrying Cry1A+CpTI and Cry1Ac genes on diversity of arthropod communities in cotton fields in North China. Chinese Journal of Agricultural Biotechnology. 1(1): 17-21.  Xu G., Q. Q. Fang, J. E. Keirans and L. A. Durden. 2003. Cloning and sequencing of putative acetylcholinesterase cDNAs from the American dog tick, Dermacentor variabilis and the brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Acari: Ixodidae). Journal of Medical Entomology. 40(6): 890-896.  Xu G., Q. Q. Fang, J. E. Keirans and L. A. Durden. 2003. Molecular phylogenetic analyses indicate that Ixodes ricinus complex is paraphyletic. Journal of Parasitology. 89(3): 452-457.  Xu G., Q. Q. Fang, J. E. Keirans and L. A. Durden. 2003. Application of Bayesian method for inferring phylogenetic relationships of ticks within the genus Ixodes. Acta Zool. Sinica. 49(3): 380-388.  Liang G. M., G. R. Wang, G. Xu, K. M. Wu and Y. Y. Guo. 2003. Advances in research on Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) receptor proteins in insects. Acta Entomologica Sinica. 46(3): 390-396.  Li W. D., K. M. Wu, X. X. Chen, H. Q. Feng, G. Xu and Y. Y. Guo. 2003. Effects of transgenic cottons carrying Cry1A+CpTI and Cry1A genes on the structures and composition of pest and beneficial arthropod communities in cotton field in North China. Journal of Agricultural Biotechnology. 11(5): 494-499.  Wang S. L., G. Xu, X. W. Yang, J. S. Ma and C. F. Sheng. 2003. Polymorphic Studies on Helicoverpa armigera populations in different host plants using microsatellite primers. Cotton Science. 15(2): 79-82.  Xu G., G. R. Wang, K. M. Wu and Y. Y. Guo. 2002. Gene flow analysis among different geographical populations of Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) by restriction fragment length polymorphisms. Acta Gossypii Sinica. 14(6): 352-355.  Xu G., B. Z. Guo, C. C. Holbrook, and R. E. Lynch. 2001. Identification and partial sequence of a PLD-like gene encoding for phospholipase D in peanut. Journal of Peanut Science 30(4): 1-10.  Xu G., and Y. Y. Guo. 2001. Research progresses on interspecific hybridization of Heliothinae. Entomological knowledge. 38(1): 8-12.  Wang G. R., Y. Y. Guo and G. Xu. 2001. Cloning and sequencing of a gene encoding GOBP2 in the antenna of Spodoptera exigua. Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 34(6): 619-625.  Wu K. M., D. F. Cheng, G. Xu, B. P. Zhai and Y. Y. Guo. 2001. Radar observation of autumn migration of insects in Northern China. Acta Ecologica Sinica. 21(11): 1833-1838.  Zhang Y. J, G. Xu, Y. Y. Guo and K. M Wu. 2001. Analysis of volatile components in transgenic Bt cotton and their parental varieties. Acta Ecologica Sinica. 21(12): 2051-2056.  Wu K. M., G. Xu and Y. Y. Guo. 2001. Seasonal population dynamics of tobacco white fly adults on cotton in northern China. Plant Protection. 27(2): 14-15.  Xu G., Y. Y. Guo and G. M. Liang. 2000. Isolation of cotton bollworm genomic DNA by the improved SDS-phenol method. Entomological knowledge. 37(3): 177-178.  Xu G., Y. Y. Guo and K. M. Wu. 2000. Allozyme variations within and among different geographic populations of Helicoverpa armigera. Acta Entomologica Sinica. 43(Suppl.): 63-69.  Xu G., Y. Y. Guo and K. M. Wu. 2000. On the mark-release- recapture techniques of Helicoverpa armigera.. Acta Gossypii Sinica. 12(5): 247-250.  Xu G., Y. Y. Guo and K. M. Wu. 1999. Analysis of pollens adhering to cotton bollworm moths. Scientia Agricultura Sinica. 32(6): 45-51.  Xu G., and Z. Y. Shi. 1999. Three new species of the Encyrtidae family from China. Acta Entomologica Sinica. 42(2): 202-206.  Wu KM., G. Xu and Y. Y. Guo. Observations on migratory activity of cotton bollworm moths across the Bohai gulf in China. Journal of Plant Protection. 1998, 25(4): 337-340.  Xu G., and Z. Y. Shi. 1996. Three new records of the Encyrtidae family from China. Acta Agriculturae Universitatis Henanensis. 30(2): 120-122, 138.  Si S. L., Z. Y. Shi, G. Xu, and G. P. Wang. 1994. Preliminary analysis on Encyrtidae fauna in China. Acta Agriculturae Universitatis Henanensis. 4(4): 350-353, 371.  Ma J. S., X. W. Yang, G. Xu, S. M. Zhao, J. C. Dong, and S. L. Li. 1994. Statial distribution and sampling of larvae of Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller) and its harmfulness. Acta Agriculture Boreali-Sinia. 9(Suppl): 61-66.  Zhao J. H., G. Xu, and S.Chai. 1993. Effects of sublethal concentration pesticides on the reproduction and settlement of Amblyseius fallacis. Acta Agriculture Boreali-Sinia. 8(2): 10-15. Books (co-author): 1. Recent Research Trends in Entomology. 2000. China Scientific and Technical Publishers, Beijing, China. 2. Classification and Identification of Parasitic Wasps. 1995. Chinese Press of Agricultural Science and Technology. Beijing, China. 3. The Fauna and Taxonomy of Insects in Henan. 1994. Chinese Press of Agricultural Science and Technology. Beijing, China. Presentations/abstract at professional meetings: 1. Andrews E. S., G. Xu, and S. M. Rich: 2007. The Gut of Culiseta melanura and Coquillettidia perturbans. Annual Meeting of the Northeastern Mosquito Control Association. Plymouth, MA 2. Fang Q. Q., G. Xu, J. E. Keirans, and L. A. Durden. 2005. Cloning and sequencing of eight complete Ferritin gene coding region from 8 hard ticks. A talk presented at the 53th Annual Meeting of the Entomological Society of America. Fort Lauderdale, FL. 3. Fang Q. Q. and G. Xu. 2005. Evolution of tick CRT introns. A talk personated at the annual Joint Meeting of the Society for the Study of Evolution, Society of Systematic Biologists, and American Society of Naturalists. Fairbanks, AK. 4. Xu. G., N. D. Young, J. Wesker and S. M. Rich. 2004. Detection of genetic diversity of the Lyme borreliosis agent Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto by Reverse Line Blotting. A poster at the 15th annual meeting of New England Molecular Evolutionary Biologists. Medford, MA. 5. Fang Q. Q., G. Xu, J. E. Keirans and L. A. Durden. 2004. Phylogenetic analysis of hard ticks using the calreticulin (CRT) gene. A talk presented at the Symposium of Current Advances in Acarology, 52th Annual Meeting of the Entomological Society of America. Salt Lake City, UT. 6. Fang, Q. Q., G. Xu, and J. E. Keirans. 2003. Phylogenetic relationships of ticks inferred from multiple nuclear protein- encoding genes. A poster presented at annual Joint Meeting of the Society for the Study of Evolution, Society of Systematic Biologists, and American Society of Naturalists. Chico, CA. 7. Fang Q. Q., G. Xu, J. E. Keirans and L. A. Durden. 2003. Development of new nuclear protein-encoding genes for tick molecular phylogenetic analysis. A talk presented at 51th Annual Meeting of the Entomological Society of America. Cincinnati, OH. 8. Xu. G., Q. Q. Fang, J. E. Keirans, and L. A. Durden. 2003. Exon-intron structure of hard tick calreticulin genes. A poster presented at the 51st Annual Meeting of the Entomological Society of America. Cincinnati, OH. 9. Flowers M., G. Xu, O. Pung, and Q. Q. Fang. 2003. Preliminary investigations of the genetic variation of a trematode parasite and its grass shrimp host along the southeastern coast. A talk presented at the Annual Meeting of the Georgia Academy of Science. Waleska, GA. 10. Fang Q. Q., G. Xu, J. E. Keirans and L. A. Durden. 2002. Phylogenetic relationships of tick species in the genus Ixodes based on mitochondrial and nuclear protein-encoding genes. A talk presented at the Annual Meeting of the Entomological Society of America. Fort Lauderdale, FL. 11. Xu. G., Q. Q. Fang, J. E. Keirans and L. A. Durden. 2002. Phylogeny of ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) from Bayesian analysis of mitochondrial genes of 16S rRNA and COI. A poster presented at the Annual Meeting of the Entomological Society of America. Fort Lauderdale, FL. 12. Xu. G., Q. Q. Fang, J. E. Keirans and L. A. Durden. 2002. Bayesian phylogenetic analysis of 16S rDNA sequences indicated that tick Subgenus Ixodes and I. ricinus species complex are not monophyletic. A poster presented at the 66th Annual Meeting of Georgia Entomological Society. Statesboro, GA. 13. Guo B., G. Xu, A. Butron, N. Widstrom and R. Lynch. 2001. RFLP Markers associated with antibiosis in silks and transfer to sweet corn lines. A talk presented at the 65th Annual meeting of the Georgia Entomological Society. Gainesville, GA. 14. Xu. G., and Y. Y. Guo. 1998. The migratory activity of cotton bollworm in China. A talk presented at the 6th meeting of Entomological Society of China. Huangshan, Anhui province, China.