Evaluation of Olive as a Host of Xylella fastidiosa and Associated Sharpshooter Vectors

• DOI: 10.1094/pdis-01-14-0014-re
• Publication Date: 2014-03-28T23:48:39Z
• Authors: Rodrigo Krugner; Mark S. Sisterson; Jianchi Chen; Drake C. Stenger; Marshall W. Johnson
• Keywords: Xylella fastidiosa; Olea; Olive leaf; Olive trees

Olive (Olea europaea) trees exhibiting leaf scorch or branch dieback symptoms in California were surveyed for the xylem-limited, fastidious bacterium Xylella fastidiosa. Only approximately 17% of diseased tested positive X. fastidiosa by polymerase chain reaction, and disease could not be attributed to infection olive greenhouse pathogenicity assays. Six strains isolated from Southern California. Molecular assays identified recovered as belonging subsp. multiplex. Pathogenicity testing on grapevine almond confirmed that yield phenotypes typical those expected Mechanical inoculation resulted at low efficiency but infections remained asymptomatic tended self-limiting. Vector transmission demonstrated glassy-winged sharpshooter (Homalodisca vitripennis) transmit both subspp. multiplex efficiency. Insect trapping data indicated two vectors fastidiosa, green (Draeculacephala minerva), active orchards. Collectively, indicate did cause may contribute epidemiology fastidiosa-elicited diseases serve an alternative, albeit suboptimal, host also a refuge where evade intensive areawide insecticide treatment citrus, primary control method used limit populations and, indirectly, epidemics Pierce's grapevine.