Spiroplasmas and acholeplasmas: multiplication in insects

Area of Science:

• Phytopathology
• Entomology
• Microbiology

Background:

• Spiroplasma citri causes citrus stubborn disease.
• No known insect vector for Spiroplasma citri has been identified.
• Other mollicutes, Acholeplasma laidlawii and A. granularum, are also studied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the multiplication and effects of Spiroplasma citri in leafhopper vectors.
• To determine if leafhoppers can serve as vectors for Spiroplasma citri.
• To compare Spiroplasma citri's behavior in different leafhopper species.

Main Methods:

• Infection of leafhoppers with Spiroplasma citri.
• Monitoring Spiroplasma citri titers within leafhoppers.
• Assessing the impact of Spiroplasma citri on leafhopper longevity.

Main Results:

• Spiroplasma citri multiplied in leafhopper vectors of corn stunt and aster yellows.
• Higher titers of Spiroplasma citri were observed in aster yellows vectors.
• Spiroplasma citri decreased the longevity of aster yellows vectors.
• Acholeplasma laidlawii and A. granularum also multiplied in both leafhopper types.

Conclusions:

• Leafhoppers can support the multiplication of Spiroplasma citri.
• Aster yellows vectors are more permissive to Spiroplasma citri proliferation.
• Spiroplasma citri negatively affects leafhopper survival, suggesting potential vector competence.