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Published on: February 27, 2021
Candidates for symbiotic control of sugarcane white leaf disease
Jureemart Wangkeeree1, Thomas A Miller, Yupa Hanboonsong
1Entomology Division, Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand.
Abstract:
The leafhopper Matsumuratettix hiroglyphicus (Matsumura) is the most important vector of a phytoplasma pathogen causing sugarcane white leaf (SCWL) disease. The purpose of this study was to evaluate candidate bacterial symbionts for possible use as vehicles in the control of the disease. 16S rRNA bacterial genes were amplified from whole bodies of M. hiroglyphicus leafhoppers and analyzed by cloning and sequencing. Two dominant groups were found: one belonged to the Betaproteobacteria that did not closely match any sequences in the database and was named bacterium associated with M. hiroglyphicus (BAMH). Another one found to be abundant in this leafhopper is "Candidatus Sulcia muelleri" in the order Bacteroidetes, which was previously reported in the insect members of the Auchenorrhyncha. Most M. hiroglyphicus leafhoppers carry both BAMH and "Ca. Sulcia muelleri." Fluorescent in situ hybridization showed that BAMH and "Ca. Sulcia muelleri" colocalized in the same bacteriomes. BAMH was present in the midgut and ovaries of the leafhopper and was found in all developmental stages, including eggs, nymphs, and adults. Because BAMH appears to be specific for the SCWL vector, we evaluated it as a candidate for symbiotic control of sugarcane white leaf disease.
Insights
Researchers identified a novel bacterium, BAMH, within the sugarcane white leaf disease vector, Matsumuratettix hiroglyphicus. This bacterium shows potential for controlling sugarcane white leaf (SCWL) disease through symbiotic strategies.
Area of Science:
- Entomology
- Microbiology
- Plant Pathology
Background:
- Sugarcane white leaf (SCWL) disease is a significant threat to sugarcane production.
- The leafhopper Matsumuratettix hiroglyphicus is the primary vector for the phytoplasma pathogen causing SCWL.
- Effective disease management strategies are crucial for protecting sugarcane crops.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize bacterial symbionts in M. hiroglyphicus.
- To evaluate potential bacterial symbionts as vehicles for SCWL disease control.
- To investigate the role of bacterial symbionts in the life cycle and transmission of SCWL.
Main Methods:
- Amplification and sequencing of 16S rRNA bacterial genes from M. hiroglyphicus.
- Phylogenetic analysis to identify bacterial groups.
- Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) to determine symbiont localization within the leafhopper.
- Assessment of symbiont presence across different developmental stages.
Main Results:
- Two dominant bacterial groups were identified: a novel Betaproteobacteria, named bacterium associated with M. hiroglyphicus (BAMH), and "Candidatus Sulcia muelleri".
- BAMH and "Ca. Sulcia muelleri" were found to colocalize in the same bacteriomes.
- BAMH was detected in the midgut, ovaries, and all developmental stages (eggs, nymphs, adults) of M. hiroglyphicus.
- BAMH appears to be specific to the SCWL vector.
Conclusions:
- BAMH is a prevalent and potentially specific bacterial symbiont of the SCWL vector, M. hiroglyphicus.
- "Ca. Sulcia muelleri" is also abundant and co-localized with BAMH.
- The presence and distribution of BAMH suggest its potential as a target for symbiotic control strategies against SCWL disease.
