Pierce's Disease
Research Updates

piercesdisease.cdfa.ca.gov

What is Pierce's Disease?

Pierce's Disease is a bacterial infection, which is spread by bugs that feed on grapevines, particularly the "glassy winged sharpshooter." Grapevines that become infected with PD can quickly become sick and die.

glassy-winged sharpshooter

ENVIRONMENTAL FATE OF A GENETICALLY MARKED ENDOPHYTE IN GRAPEVINES


  • Author(s): Miller, Thomas; Lampe, David; Lauzon, Carol; Richards, Frank; Rose, Bob;
  • Abstract: Alcaligenes xylosoxidans denitrificans (Axd), an insect and plant symbiotic bacterium, was genetically altered to carry a red fluorescent protein gene, DsRed. The marked Axd (RAxd) was detected in stems of several grapevines two weeks post-inoculation at commercial vineyards in Temecula, Napa and UC Riverside. The amount detected at four weeks post-inoculation declined, and RAxd was absent six weeks post-inoculation. RAxd was not detected in grape berries, or in soil samples collected around RAxd positive grapevines nor in the roots of test plants. RAxd was found readily in the buccal cavity of the vector insect and in citrus xylem.
  • Publication Date: Dec 2005
  • Journal: 2005 Pierce's Disease Research Symposium