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Bioassay techniques to assess plant pathogenicity of Mycoplasma-like organisms (MLO)
Abstract:
A bioassay for mycoplasma-like organisms ( MLO ) plant yellows is proposed. The relation P=e(-)nM enables calculation of the average number (M) of infectious units (IU) injected per insect as a function of the proportion P on non-diseased plants and of the number n of vectors per plant. The injected volume was determined by injecting a radioactive solution, and the results can thus be expressed in IU/ml. A diagram is proposed which directly gives the concentration in IU/ml of the tested extract before its dilution. Male cicadellids were shown to respond much better to injection than females. We thus decided to inject males only. However, the susceptibility of both insect and plant is not total, and a certain under evaluation of the results cannot be avoided. These results, however, afford the best approach to knowledge of MLO .
Insights
This study introduces a new bioassay to quantify mycoplasma-like organisms (MLO) in plants. The method calculates infectious units (IU) per insect, aiding in understanding MLO plant diseases.
Area of Science:
- Plant pathology
- Entomology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Mycoplasma-like organisms (MLO) cause significant plant diseases, leading to economic losses.
- Accurate quantification of MLO in insect vectors is crucial for disease management.
- Existing bioassays for MLO lack precision and efficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a novel bioassay for quantifying MLO in plant-infecting insect vectors.
- To establish a method for determining the concentration of infectious units (IU) per milliliter (ml) of MLO extracts.
- To optimize insect vector selection for improved bioassay accuracy.
Main Methods:
- A mathematical model (P=e-nM) was employed to calculate the average number of infectious units (IU) injected per insect.
- Radioactive tracers were used to determine the injected volume, enabling results to be expressed in IU/ml.
- A specialized diagram was developed for direct concentration determination of MLO extracts before dilution.
- Male cicadellids were exclusively used as insect vectors due to their superior response to injection.
Main Results:
- The proposed bioassay allows for the calculation of MLO infectious units (IU) per insect vector.
- Results can be accurately expressed in IU/ml, providing a standardized measure of MLO concentration.
- A novel diagram facilitates the direct determination of MLO concentration in extracts.
- Male cicadellids demonstrated significantly higher susceptibility and response to injection compared to females.
Conclusions:
- The developed bioassay offers a reliable and efficient method for quantifying MLO in insect vectors.
- This approach provides valuable insights into MLO transmission dynamics and disease epidemiology.
- The findings represent a significant advancement in the study and management of MLO-induced plant diseases.