Assessing novel plant resistance traits against Xylella fastidiosa through vector transmission studies and epidemic models
Tuesday, November 17, 2015: 10:00 AM
200 C (Convention Center)
Adam Zeilinger
,
Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, University of California, Berkeley, CA
Fabien Labroussaa
,
Environmental Science, Policy & Management, University of California, Berkeley, CA
Bruce Kirkpatrick
,
Plant Pathology Depatrment, University of California Davis, Davis, CA
Rodrigo P. P. Almeida
,
Dept. of Environmental Science, Policy and Management, Division of Organisms and Environment, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
Plant defenses against pathogens are a critical component of effective and integrated disease management. However, resistance and tolerance traits, both components of plant defenses, can have profoundly different effects on the epidemiology of vector-borne pathogens. In some cases, tolerance can even enhance the spread of a pathogen. As a result, estimating transmission efficiency and potential for pathogen spread is critical for assessing both efficacy and risks of plants with novel defenses.
Pierce’s Disease of grapevines, caused by the bacterial pathogen Xylella fastidiosa, has resulted in substantial losses in California vineyards. Recently, researchers have incorporated novel plant traits that should provide resistance against X. fastidiosa infection and Pierce’s Disease symptom development. Transgenic grape lines that produce HxfB proteins should interfere with acquisition of the bacteria by insect vectors. We investigated the potential for X. fastidiosa to spread among HxfB-producing grapevines through transmission experiments with sharpshooter vectors and epidemic modeling. Our work indicates that HxfB production in grapevines effectively reduces vector transmission of X. fastidiosa and reduces the risk of spread in simulated transgenic vineyards.
