PATTERNS OF XYLELLA FASTIDIOSA INFECTION IN PLANTS AND EFFECTS ON ACQUISITION BY INSECT VECTORS

• Author(s): Lindow, Steven; Purcell, Alexander;
• Abstract: This study will examine the effect of host plant tolerance on the epidemiology of Pierces disease (PD), specifically on the ability of the insect vectors to acquire Xylella fastidiosa (Xf) from plants considered tolerant to PD. The examination of Xf population and distribution in tolerant and susceptible plants, and its relationship to xylem anatomy, symptom development, and bacterial acquisition by sharpshooters, may reveal what traits of a plant are important in the overall spread of PD. Since host plant resistance is an important component in the long-term goal of curing PD, it will be important to know how this resistance affects the spread of PD in areas permanently infested with sharpshooter vectors. This research will also assist with the short-term goal of controlling the spread of PD by enabling growers to evaluate grape cultivars on their ability to provide inoculum for vine-to-vine spread of Pierces disease. We will examine host plant resistance and its effect on the ability of insects to be vectors of Pierces disease with two tools, GFP-expressing Xf and insect transmission of the pathogen. Due to the short time available for experimentation, there are no substantive results available yet.
• Publication Date: Aug 2003
• Journal: 2003 Pierce's Disease Research Symposium