Crapemyrtle bark scale (CMBS; Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae) is an invasive phloem-feeding insect that diminishes both the aesthetic appeal and economic value of crapemyrtle (Lagerstroemia sp.), the most widely planted flowering tree in the United States. Conventional control methods, including pruning, scrubbing infested bark, and applying systemic or contact insecticides, offer limited effectiveness due to the insect’s waxy covering, cryptic life stages, and prolific reproduction. Additionally, chemical treatments raise concerns about non-target effects and environmental contamination. To facilitate the development of targeted and sustainable control strategies, we are elucidating the molecular mechanisms governing CMBS development. We have assembled a high-quality reference genome and conducted bulk RNA sequencing across multiple life stages. Building on these resources, we now aim to apply single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to resolve cell-type-specific gene expression patterns throughout development. This high-resolution analysis will uncover key regulatory pathways, informing the identification of novel molecular targets for environmentally responsible CMBS management. We will report on the results of these investigations at the meeting.
