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Mycoplasmas, plants, insect vectors: a matrimonial triangle
M Garnier1, X Foissac, P Gaurivaud
1UMR génomique-développement-pouvoir pathogène, laboratoire de biologie cellulaire et moléculaire, Institut de biologie végétale moléculaire, Inra BP 81, 33883 Villenave d'Ornon, France. garnier@bordeaux.inra.fr
Comptes Rendus De L'Academie Des Sciences. Serie III, Sciences De La Vie
|September 26, 2001
Summary
Plant pathogenic mycoplasmas, including phytoplasmas and spiroplasmas, cause hundreds of plant diseases. This research explores their habitats and novel control methods using plantibodies.
Area of Science:
- Plant Pathology
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Mycoplasmas, Eubacteria of the class Mollicutes, are characterized by small genomes and lack of cell walls.
- Plant pathogenic mycoplasmas, discovered in 1967, cause numerous plant diseases and include phytoplasmas and spiroplasmas.
- These pathogens reside in plant phloem and are transmitted by specific insect vectors like leafhoppers and psyllids.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present current knowledge on plant pathogenic mycoplasmas, focusing on their insect and plant habitats.
- To explore innovative strategies for controlling plant mycoplasma diseases.
Main Methods:
- Electron microscopy was used for initial discovery.
- Phytoplasmas and spiroplasmas were identified and characterized.
- Experiments involving the expression of mycoplasma-directed antibodies in plants (plantibodies) were conducted for disease control.
Main Results:
- Phytoplasmas, previously known as MLOs, are pleiomorphic and difficult to cultivate in vitro.
- Three plant pathogenic spiroplasmas, Spiroplasma citri, S. kunkelii, and S. phoeniceum, have been identified.
- Plantibody technology shows promise for controlling plant mycoplasma diseases.
Conclusions:
- Understanding mycoplasma-plant-insect interactions is crucial for disease management.
- Plantibodies offer a novel and potentially effective approach to combatting plant mycoplasma infections.
- Further research into mycoplasma biology and transmission is essential for sustainable agriculture.