EVALUATING THE ROLES OF PILI IN TWITCHING AND LONG DISTANCE MOVEMENT OF XYLELLA FASTIDIOSA IN GRAPE XYLEM AND IN THE COLONIZATION OF SHARPSHOOTER FOREGUT

• Author(s): Burr, Thomas; De La Fuente, Leonardo; Hoch, Harvey; Almeida, Rodrigo; Lindow, Steven; Purcell, Alexander;
• Abstract: Our investigations have focused on intra-plant movement and colonization by Xylella fastidiosa (Xf). This study is particularly directed toward elucidating how Xf, once introduced into xylem vessels, moves in these elements farther upstream (down shoots and canes). In addition, it reports on the influence of the physical and chemical environments of the xylem as they relate to Xf attachment, colony development, and biofilm formation in both plant tissues as well as microfludic chambers fabricated to mimic xylem elements. Toward these goals, we have made extensive use of mutants deficient for various traits of pili and fimbriae.
• Publication Date: Nov 2006
• Journal: 2006 Pierce's Disease Research Symposium