MECHANISMS OF PIERCES DISEASE TRANSMISSION IN GRAPEVINES: XYLEM PATHWAYS AND MOVEMENT OF XYLELLA FASTIDIOSA

• Author(s): Matthews, Mark; Rost, Thomas; Hudgins, J.;
• Abstract: This progress report shows that open pathways likely exist for Xylella fastidiosa (Xf) movement across grafts in grape stems via xylem pathways. Studies thus far have been conducted on grafted and non-grafted three-year-old Vitis vinifera cv. Chardonnay plants. The movement of air was used to determine if open xylem conduits were present through grafts into canes, and the length of these pathways was measured. It was determined that connections via xylem vessels are generally about twice as long in non-grafted plants (450 mm) compared with grafted plants (225 mm). Current investigations are underway with dilute use latex paint and tagged Xf to understand the pathways for bacterial movement across grafts.
• Publication Date: Nov 2006
• Journal: 2006 Pierce's Disease Research Symposium