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Introduction of a putative biocontrol agent into a range of phytoplasma‐ and liberibacter‐susceptible crop plants
Author(s) -
Lidor Ofir,
Dror Orit,
Hamershlak Dor,
Shoshaofar,
Belausov Eduard,
Zahavi Tirtza,
MozesDaube Netta,
Naor Vered,
ZchoriFein Einat,
IasurKruh Lilach,
Bahar Ofir
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
pest management science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.296
H-Index - 125
eISSN - 1526-4998
pISSN - 1526-498X
DOI - 10.1002/ps.4775
Subject(s) - phytoplasma , biology , planthopper , spiroplasma , hemiptera , biological pest control , host (biology) , phloem , crop , botany , bacteria , agronomy , ecology , mollicutes , polymerase chain reaction , biochemistry , genetics , gene , restriction fragment length polymorphism
BACKGROUND Phytoplasma, the causative agent of Bois Noir disease of grapevines, are vectored by the planthopper Hyalesthes obsoletus (Hemiptera: Cixiidae). A Dyella ‐like bacterium (DLB) isolated from H. obsoletus inhibits the growth of Spiroplasma melliferum , a cultivable relative of phytoplasma. Additional evidence suggests that DLB can reduce the symptoms of yellows disease in grapevine plantlets. The aim of this study was to test whether DLB could colonize a range of phytoplasma‐ and liberibacter‐sensitive crop plants, and thus assess its potential agricultural use .RESULTS Vitex agnus‐castus , the preferred host plant of H. obsoletus was found to be a natural host of DLB, which was successfully introduced into a range of crop plants belonging to seven families. The most effective DLB application method was foliar spraying. Microscopy observation revealed that DLB aggregated on the leaf surface and around the stomata, suggesting that this is its route of entry. DLB was also present in the vascular tissues of plants, indicating that it moved systemically through the plant. CONCLUSIONS DLB is a potential biocontrol agent and its broad spectrum of host plants indicates the possibility of its future use against a range of diseases caused by phloem‐limited bacteria. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry