GENETIC VARIABILITY OF XYLELLA FASTIDIOSA STRAINS ISOLATED FROM TEXAS GRAPES AND OTHER PLANT RESERVOIRS

• Author(s): Bishop, Kristi; Buzombo, Prince; Morano, Lisa;
• Abstract: Pierces disease is a serious threat to the burgeoning Texas wine industry. Evaluation of the ecology and epidemiology of the disease in Texas may also be of significant scientific value for other areas of the country. We have begun a molecular biological evaluation of the genetic variability of Xylella fastidiosa (Xf) strains in Texas using small, established primers for creation of diagnostic banding patterns (REP, ERIC, and BOX primers). Cloning and sequencing of amplicons using RST31- 33 primers resulted in little genetic difference between strains if one considers the error rate of Taq polymerase. However, priming with the small diagnostic primers resulted in differential banding patterns among Xf isolates across Texas. Based on these patterns, some vineyards had genetically distinct isolates and others genetically identical isolates. Vineyards may also contain more than one isolate. Analysis of Xf from a non-Vitis species showed a high distinct banding pattern suggesting broad genetic variability within Texas. Indirect immunofluorescence on Xf isolates also supports significant genetic variability within Texas, as there is differential antigen localization among several strains.
• Publication Date: Dec 2004
• Journal: 2004 Pierce's Disease Research Symposium