GLASSY-WINGED SHARPSHOOTER IRIDOVIRUS PATHOGEN

• Author(s): Achor, Diann; Albrecht, Ute; Hunter, Wayne;
• Abstract: Pierces disease of grapes, which is caused by the bacterial pathogen Xylella fastidiosa, threatens the national viticulture industry. The glassy-winged sharpshooter (GWSS) is the primary vector of Pierces disease which if not controlled threatens to completely eliminate the ability of the U.S. to compete in world markets. Viral pathogens of leafhoppers have yet to be examined as potential microbial control agents. Herein we examined the potential of a dsDNA virus, from the Iridoviridae, the iridescent insect infecting viruses, as a pathogenic agent of the GWSS. The GWSS adults were successfully infected with whitefly iridovirus, WFIV that had been propagated in Trichoplusia ni larvae. Virus infection caused reduced longevity and fecundity of GWSS. Adults were infected by microinjection and sprays. Infected individuals transmitted the virus to healthy cohorts when caged together, suggesting an aerosol mode of transmission. Detection of virus positive eggs suggests that WFIV may also have a transovarial mode of transmission. Leafhopper vectors of Pierces disease, such as the glassy-winged sharpshooter, Homalodisca coagulata, are susceptible to infection by iridescent insect viruses.
• Publication Date: Dec 2004
• Journal: 2004 Pierce's Disease Research Symposium