Chemical compounds effective against the citrus Huanglongbing bacterium 'Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus' in planta

Citrus Huanglongbing (HLB) is one of the most destructive diseases of citrus worldwide and is threatening the survival of the Floridian citrus industry. Currently, there is no established cure for this century-old and emerging disease. As a possible control strategy for citrus HLB, therapeutic compounds were screened using a propagation test system with 'Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus'-infected periwinkle and citrus plants. The results demonstrated that the combination of penicillin and streptomycin (PS) was effective in eliminating or suppressing the 'Ca. L. asiaticus' bacterium and provided a therapeutically effective level of control for a much longer period of time than when administering either antibiotic separately. When treated with the PS, 'Ca. L. asiaticus'-infected periwinkle cuttings achieved 70% of regeneration rates versus <50% by other treatments. The 'Ca. L. asiaticus' bacterial titers in the infected periwinkle plants, as measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, decreased significantly following root soaking or foliar spraying with PS. Application of the PS via trunk injection or root soaking also eliminated or suppressed the 'Ca. L. asiaticus' bacterium in the HLB-affected citrus plants. This may provide a useful tool for the management of citrus HLB and other Liberibacter-associated diseases.     

Anatomical distribution of abnormally high levels of starch in HLB-affected Valencia orange trees

The citrus disease Huanglongbing (HLB or citrus greening) is characterized, among other symptoms, by extraordinary levels of starch accumulation in leaves. This condition denotes imbalances in carbohydrate source sink relationship which in turn may have direct implications in the overall health of HLB-trees and in future strategies to manage the disease. Using light, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy we investigated the extent of carbohydrate partitioning imbalances throughout the tree. In all aerial tissues, starch accumulation in HLB-affected trees far exceeded that of HLB-negative control trees. Starch accumulated extensively in photosynthetic cells as well as phloem elements and vascular parenchyma in leaves and petioles. In stems, starch was commonly observed in xylem parenchyma and in the phelloderm of HLB-affected trees but absent from control samples. In contrast, roots from HLB-affected trees were depleted of starch whereas roots from control trees contain substantial starch deposits. The data supports the notion that the substantial changes in carbohydrate partitioning observed throughout the citrus tree may not only be a result of HLB infection, but in itself, a cause for the rapid decline and death of infected trees.     

Preliminary research on soil conditioner mediated citrus Huanglongbing mitigation in the field in Guangdong, China

Huanglongbing (HLB, yellow shoot disease) is devastating citrus production worldwide. No effective control measure is currently available. In China, management of HLB through nutrient applications was used in the past and the interest has been renewed recently. In this study the effects of a soil conditioner (SC) on HLB-affected mandarin citrus (Citrus reticulate Blanco) were evaluated in four orchards (three with cultivar Shatangju and one with cultivar Chuntianju) in Guangdong Province, China. We observed that HLB trees showed more vigorous growth with lower titres of “Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus”, the putative pathogen of HLB, than the untreated trees at 10 months post treatment (MPT) with SC. “Ca. L. asiaticus” titres in younger trees (2-year) were significantly lower than those in older trees (8-years old) (P?=?0.005). Comparison of SC treatments using 4-year-old Chuntianju showed that the “Ca. L. asiaticus” titres were significantly lower in new leaves with 7 MPT (94.51 % reduction or 2.59 times lower) than those with 1 or 4 MPT (P?=?0.002). The P, N, K, Mn, and organic matters contents in the treated orchard soils were all significantly higher than those in the non-treated soil tested at 2 MPT (p?<?0.05). Effects of SC treatments on fruit yield and quality were also significant. Our preliminary results showed that SC treatment could have various levels of positive influence on HLB-affected mandarin trees.     

Identification of the Chinese Box Orange (Severinia Buxifolia) as an Alternative Host of the Bacterium Causing Citrus Huanglongbing

The Chinese box orange (Severinia buxifolia) was shown by graft-inoculation and psyllid-transmission tests to be an alternative host of the bacterium causing citrus Huanglongbing (HLB). A PCR-based assay for detection of the HLB bacterium (HLBB) was used to monitor HLBB. In graft-inoculation tests, the Chinese box orange (CBO) grafted with HLBB-infected scions of Luchen sweet orange (LSO) were positive for HLBB, 2–3 months after grafting. The back-grafting test demonstrated that HLBB-infected CBO scions could transmit HLBB back to LSO hosts via grafting. In psyllid-transmission tests, psyllids (insect vectors) transmitted HLBB to CBO plants, in which HLBB could be detected 3–4 months after inoculation. Acquisition-access tests of psyllids revealed that HLBB-free psyllids can acquire HLBB from diseased CBO hosts and can transmit HLBB back to the LSO plants. A field survey verified the presence of HLBB-infected CBO plants in the vicinity of citrus orchards. In this paper, CBO is shown to be a susceptible host plant in which HLBB can exist and replicate. It is also a donor plant from which HLBB can be transmitted to citrus hosts by grafting or by psyllid vectors.     

柑橘黄龙病菌在染病贡柑枝条和果实橘络内的分布规律

 柑橘黄龙病是柑橘生产上最具毁灭性的病害之一,由目前还无法分离培养的候选韧皮部杆菌亚洲种(“Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus”, CLas)引起的。早期研究表明CLas在染病柑橘植株内的分布并不均匀。为进一步探究CLas在染病枝条及果实内的空间分布规律,本研究以感染黄龙病的贡柑(带果实)枝条为材料,利用定量PCR(quantitative PCR, qPCR)分析同一枝条不同部位及果实橘络中的CLas浓度。结果表明,带果贡柑枝条不同部位的CLas分布不均匀且以果实橘络部位的CLas浓度最高(15 487.6 CLas cells/ng总DNA)。通过对同一橘络不同片段长度(每1.5 cm)中的CLas进行定量分析发现,同一橘络中的CLas同样呈不均匀分布(CLas个数范围:12 407~10 271 089)。此外,定量分析发现黄龙病引起的畸形果大小两侧橘络中的CLas浓度差异不显著。该结果可为探究CLas在柑橘枝条及果实中的转运规律提供参考。     

柑橘黄龙病菌在染病贡柑枝条和果实橘络内的分布规律

 柑橘黄龙病是柑橘生产上最具毁灭性的病害之一,由目前还无法分离培养的候选韧皮部杆菌亚洲种(“Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus”, CLas)引起的。早期研究表明CLas在染病柑橘植株内的分布并不均匀。为进一步探究CLas在染病枝条及果实内的空间分布规律,本研究以感染黄龙病的贡柑(带果实)枝条为材料,利用定量PCR(quantitative PCR, qPCR)分析同一枝条不同部位及果实橘络中的CLas浓度。结果表明,带果贡柑枝条不同部位的CLas分布不均匀且以果实橘络部位的CLas浓度最高(15 487.6 CLas cells/ng总DNA)。通过对同一橘络不同片段长度(每1.5 cm)中的CLas进行定量分析发现,同一橘络中的CLas同样呈不均匀分布(CLas个数范围:12 407~10 271 089)。此外,定量分析发现黄龙病引起的畸形果大小两侧橘络中的CLas浓度差异不显著。该结果可为探究CLas在柑橘枝条及果实中的转运规律提供参考。     

In planta distribution of 'Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus' as revealed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and real-time PCR

Huanglongbing (HLB) is one of the most devastating diseases of citrus worldwide, and is caused by a phloem-limited fastidious prokaryotic alpha-proteobacterium that is yet to be cultured. In this study, a combination of traditional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and real-time PCR targeting the putative DNA polymerase and 16S rDNA sequence of 'Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus,' respectively, were used to examine the distribution and movement of the HLB pathogen in the infected citrus tree. We found that 'Ca. Liberibacter asiaticus' was distributed in bark tissue, leaf midrib, roots, and different floral and fruit parts, but not in endosperm and embryo, of infected citrus trees. Quantification analysis of the HLB bacterium indicated that it was distributed unevenly in planta and ranged from 14 to 137,031 cells/mug of total DNA in different tissues. A relatively high concentration of 'Ca. Liberibacter asiaticus' was observed in fruit peduncles. Our data from greenhouse-infected plants also indicated that 'Ca. Liberibacter asiaticus' was transmitted systemically from infection site to different parts of the plant. Understanding the distribution and movement of the HLB bacterium inside an individual citrus tree is critical for discerning its virulence mechanism and to develop management strategies for HLB.     

湖南省永州地区柑橘慢衰病与黄龙病病原鉴定及分布调查

为明确湖南省柑橘黄化症状与柑橘慢衰病和柑橘黄龙病的相关性,应用形态学和分子生物学方法对湖南省永州地区表现黄化症状的柑橘进行了两种病原的鉴定及分布调查。结果表明,造成该地区柑橘黄化现象的主要原因为柑橘半穿刺线虫和黄龙病菌对柑橘的侵染。所检样本中,柑橘慢衰病平均发生率为82.1%,土壤中的半穿刺线虫群体密度最高达到3 077条/100mL。永州地区柑橘黄龙病病菌属于韧皮部杆菌属类细菌亚洲种,平均检出率为64.3%。柑橘半穿刺线虫和黄龙病菌在柑橘园存在混合侵染现象,混合侵染率为53.6%。柑橘半穿刺线虫在永州地区柑橘产区分布广泛,是造成柑橘黄化症状的重要病因,重视并有效防控柑橘半穿刺线虫已迫在眉睫。     

Detection by PCR of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, the bacterium causing citrus huanglongbing in vector psyllids: application to the study of vector–pathogen relationships

Citrus huanglongbing (HLB), previously called greening, is a serious citrus disease in Asia, eastern and southern Africa. It is caused by Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (Las), a phloem-limited, nonculturable bacterium transmitted by the Asian citrus psyllid ( Diaphorina citri ) in Asia. A PCR-based assay was developed for monitoring Las in vector psyllids using a rapid DNA extraction from psyllid bodies and PCR amplification. The entire procedure for Las detection in psyllids can be completed within 5 h. Using this method, Las can be accurately detected in psyllid adults as well as nymphs in different instar stages. The assay is sensitive enough for Las detection in single-psyllid extract from adult, fifth, fourth and third instars. In a transovarial transmission experiment, Las was not detected in eggs or in offspring produced by Las-carrying psyllid females. In a retention test, the Las-carrying psyllids remained Las-positive for 12 weeks after they were moved to common jasmine orange, a Las-immune plant. From these experimental results it was concluded that Las persists in the Asian citrus psyllid vector, but is not transovarially transmitted by the vector. These data help in understanding epidemiological characteristics of Las and psyllids in citrus HLB.     

柑橘黄龙病病原研究进展

本文对柑橘黄龙病(HLB)的发现、认识过程及病原菌的分类、检测鉴定技术进行了综述。HLB是一种十分严重的柑橘病害,主要通过木虱和嫁接进行传播,在不同的地区和国家具有不同的名字,已统一命名为HLB。对引起HLB的原因探索经历了一个漫长的过程,从水害、缺素、镰刀菌、病毒到类菌原体,最后确定为细菌。该病原属于α-亚纲,韧皮部杆菌属,分为亚洲种、非洲种和美洲种3个种,可以通过PCR技术进行检测鉴定。同时,对韧皮杆菌的人工培养以及与黄龙病相关植原体的最新研究进展进行了阐述。     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">In planta</Emphasis> multiplication and graft transmission of ‘<Emphasis Type="Italic">Candidatus</Emphasis> Liberibacter asiaticus’ revealed by Real-Time PCR

The bacterium Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas) is associated with huanglongbing (HLB) in citrus in many countries. Despite the fact that many characteristics of the disease are known, the rate of multiplication of the bacterium within an infected tree is still poorly understood. To study this feature, we used the quantitative Real-Time polymerase chain reaction (Q-PCR) assay to follow and to quantify the multiplication of CLas in grafted infected young sweet orange plants. The rate of infection by grafting reached 100% at 120 days post-inoculation (dpi) showing that grafting could easily transmit CLas. A well-adjusted linear regression equation describing the bacterial growth in planta was obtained independently with measurements taken using repeated sampling in the same plant or different plants through the analysed period. The bacterial population, measured as copy number (CN) of the 16S rDNA target gene g⁻¹ of tissue, increased 10,000 times from 10³ at 30 dpi to approximately 10⁸ CN at 240 dpi indicating that CLas multiplication was fastest in young citrus plants. We observed a direct relationship between the concentration of pathogen and the expression of symptoms. Yellowed leaves or shoots, are commonly the first observed symptom of HLB, and were present in trees with a low amount of bacteria (10⁵ CN g⁻¹). Blotchy mottle symptoms were observed in trees with 10⁷ CN g⁻¹ of bacteria after 180 dpi. Buds taken from infected, but non-symptomatic branches were grafted on Rangpur lime and resulted in transmission rates ranging from 10 to 60%.     

Antifeedant and sublethal effects of imidacloprid on Asian citrus psyllid,Diaphorina citri

BACKGROUND: Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, transmits the causal bacteria of the devastating citrus disease huanglongbing (HLB). Because of the variation in spatial and temporal uptake and systemic distribution of imidacloprid applied to citrus trees and its degradation over time in citrus trees, ACP adults and nymphs are exposed to concentrations that may not cause immediate mortality but rather sublethal effects. The objective of this laboratory study was to determine the effects of sublethal concentrations of imidacloprid on ACP life stages. RESULTS: Feeding by ACP adults and nymphs on plants treated daily with a sublethal concentration (0.1 µg mL^?1) of imidacloprid significantly decreased adult longevity (8 days), fecundity (33%) and fertility (6%), as well as nymph survival (12%) and developmental rate compared with untreated controls. The magnitude of these negative effects was directly related to exposure duration and concentration. Furthermore, ACP adults that fed on citrus leaves treated systemically with lethal and sublethal concentrations of imidacloprid excreted significantly less honeydew (7–94%) compared with controls in a concentration‐dependent manner suggesting antifeedant activity of imidacloprid. CONCLUSIONS: Sublethal concentrations of imidacloprid negatively affect development, reproduction, survival and longevity of ACP, which likely contributes to population reductions over time. Also, reduced feeding by ACP adults on plants treated with sublethal concentrations of imidacloprid may potentially decrease the capacity of ACP to successfully acquire and transmit the HLB causal pathogen. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

Sequence and evolutionary analysis of ribosomal DNA from Huanglongbing (HLB) isolates of Western India

Citrus greening (Huanglongbing, HLB) is a widespread and economically important citrus disease all over the world. The disease is caused by a phloem-limited fastidious gram negative bacterium, “Candidatus Liberibacter spp.” which belongs to the alpha-proteobacteria group classified on the basis of its 16SrDNA sequence. Although the pathogen has been classified under three distinct groups, viz. Asian, African and American isolates, nothing is known about the status and the molecular variabilities among the Indian HLB isolates collected from different citrus cultivars grown in India. Five different HLB isolates showing variable symptoms based on their severity of infection on different citrus, viz. Mosambi, Rangpur lime, Cleopatra mandarin, acid lime and rough lemon, were studied by PCR amplification, sequence and evolutionary analysis of their 16S and 16S/23S rDNA intergenic regions. Analysis of the 16S/23S rDNA intergenic region separated all five Indian isolates from existing African isolates but failed to differentiate among Asian, American and Indian isolates. However, further analysis of complete 16S rDNA clearly indicated that Indian isolates fall within the Asian HLB group. Overall, our results suggest that all the five Indian HLB isolates taken for the current analysis belong to the Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus strain, which showed distinct sequence variabilities and produced noticeable symptoms on the citrus trees. These results provide a robust framework for understanding how differences in pathogenicity among various HLB isolates may be related to evolutionary history.     

Detection of 'Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus' in Diaphorina citri and its importance in the management of citrus huanglongbing in Florida

Citrus huanglongbing (HLB or citrus greening), is a highly destructive disease that has been spreading in both Florida and Brazil. Its psyllid vector, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, has spread to Texas and Mexico, thus threatening the future of citrus production elsewhere in mainland North America. Even though sensitive diagnostic methods have been developed for detection of the causal organisms, Candidatus Liberibacter spp., the pathogen cannot be detected consistently in plants until symptoms develop, presumably because of low titer and uneven distribution of the causal bacteria in nonsymptomatic tissues. In the present study, TaqMan based real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction methodology was developed for detection of 'Ca. L. asiaticus' in D. citri. Over 1,200 samples of psyllid adults and nymphs, collected from various locations in Florida, from visually healthy and HLB symptomatic trees at different times of the year were analyzed to monitor the incidence and spread of HLB. The results showed that spread of 'Ca. L. asiaticus' in an area may be detected one to several years before the development of HLB symptoms in plants. The study suggests that discount garden centers and retail nurseries may have played a significant role in the widespread distribution of psyllids and plants carrying HLB pathogens in Florida.     

The push–pull strategy for citrus psyllid control

The Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Psyllidae), is the only natural vector of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus that causes citrus huanglongbing (HLB), a most destructive disease of citrus. Currently, no remedial therapy exists for the disease, and so effective control of ACP is very important in curbing the transmission of the disease. The push–pull strategy should be thoroughly explored as an approach to ACP management. This mini‐review summarises the current progress towards more effective repellent and attractant chemicals through investigating known repellent and attractive plants. Interactions between ACP and its host plants are also addressed, with emphasis on the possible involvement of the host biochemicals in attracting the insect. Potential ways to increase the effectiveness of the pull–push strategy are briefly discussed. It is expected that the pull–push strategy will be gradually developed following more extensive research. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry     

Quantification of viable <Emphasis Type="Italic">Candidatus</Emphasis> Liberibacter asiaticus in hosts using quantitative PCR with the aid of ethidium monoazide (EMA)

Citrus Huanglongbing (HLB) is a devastating disease of citrus known to be associated with a fastidious, phloem-limited Gram-negative, yet to be cultured bacterium in the genus Candidatus Liberibacter. In the present study we have developed a method to quantify viable Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (Las) with the aid of ethidium monoazide (EMA) which can differentiate live from dead cells. First, calibration curves were developed with the aid of quantitative real-time PCR (QPCR) by using a plasmid template consisting of a 703 bp DNA fragment of rplKAJL-rpoBC (β-operon) region. Standard equations were then developed to quantify Las genome equivalents in citrus, periwinkle, and Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri. To overcome the limitation of quantitative PCR in discriminating between live and dead bacterial cells, EMA was used to inhibit the amplification of DNA from the dead cells of Las in plant samples. By using the standard equations and EMA-QPCR methods developed in this study, we found that the proportion of viable cells in citrus and periwinkle ranged from 17–31% and 16–28%, respectively. It was determined that a minimum bacterial concentration is required for HLB symptom development by quantifying the population of Las in symptomatic and asymptomatic leaves. The EMA-QPCR methodology developed in the present study should provide an accurate assessment of viable HLB pathogen, providing a tool to investigate disease epidemiology and thus act as a crucial component for disease assessment and management. The authors P. Trivedi and U. S. Sagaram contributed equally to this work.     

Occurrence of prophage and historical perspectives associated with the dissemination of huanglongbing in mainland China

Huanglongbing (HLB), associated with a non-culturable bacterium ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’ (CLas), is a highly destructive citrus disease with a long but poorly documented history in China. No effective treatment for HLB is available. The identification of new prophages in abundant CLas genomic sequence data provides new insights into both the diversity of CLas strains and HLB management. In this study, CLas populations from nine provinces were surveyed for the presence of prophage. Two major prophage typing groups (PTGs) were discovered to be associated with two different altitude regions: strains of CLas in PTG1 from high altitude regions (HAR) mainly contained prophage Type 1 only or Types 1 and 3, whereas strains of CLas in PTG2 from low altitude regions (LAR) mainly contained prophage Type 2. The discovery of these CLas population patterns provides evidence for independent origins of HLB in HAR and LAR. Guangdong province is the generally recognized domestic region of origin for HLB and is primarily responsible for the dissemination of HLB in LAR through transport of seedlings. Both Yunnan and Sichuan provinces are the probable regions of origin for HLB in HAR. PTG2 was further divided into two subgroups: PTG2-1, found in Guangdong, Fujian and Guangxi and PTG2-2, found in Jiangxi, Zhejiang and Hunan. These regions and prophage types are correlated with early and late introductions of HLB in LAR. These molecular analyses were supported by studying the history of the dissemination of HLB in historical documents.     

Ineffectiveness of pruning to control citrus huanglongbing caused by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Candidatus</Emphasis> Liberibacter americanus

The huanglongbing (HLB) disease of citrus trees, caused by Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus and Ca. Liberibacter americanus, was first reported in Brazil in March, 2004. The presence of the disease has caused serious concerns among growers. Pruning experiments were conducted to determine if removal of symptomatic branches or the entire canopy (decapitation) would eliminate infected tissues and save HLB-affected trees. Pruning was done in five blocks on a total of 592 3- to 16 year-old ‘Valência’, ‘Hamlin’ or ‘Pêra’ sweet orange trees showing no symptoms or with two levels of symptom severity. Ten decapitated trees per block were caged and all trees were treated with insecticides to control the psyllid vector, Diaphorina citri. Mottled leaves reappeared on most symptomatic (69.2%) as well on some asymptomatic (7.6%) pruned trees, regardless of age, variety, and pruning procedure. Presence of the pathogen (Ca. Liberibacter americanus) in all symptomatic trees was confirmed by PCR. In general, the greater the symptom severity before pruning the lower the percentage of trees that remained asymptomatic after pruning.     

Seven years of negative detection results confirm that Xylella fastidiosa,the causal agent of CVC,is not transmitted from seeds to seedlings

Knowledge about the mechanism of transmission of systemic pathogens of citrus species is highly important for the safe movement of citrus germplasm, management of citrus mother trees, and also production of young plants. Among systemic pathogens of citrus, Xylella fastidiosa the causal agent of the citrus variegated chlorosis (CVC), is one the most important pathogens causing decline in tree vigour and productivity. Seven-year experiments were conducted to evaluate the hypothesis of seed-to-seedling transmission of X. fastidiosa. This bacterium was found colonizing the fruit (exocarp, central axis and mesocarp) and the seed parts (seed coat and endosperm plus embryo). After 7 years of PCR assay, no positive PCR detection of X. fastidiosa was confirmed in seedlings propagated from the seeds infected with X. fastidiosa. This result demonstrates the lack of seed-to-seedling transmission of this bacterium.