Diversity of endosymbionts in the potato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli (Triozidae), vector of zebra chip disease of potato

A Novel Interaction of Nesidiocoris tenuis (Hemiptera: Miridae) as a Biological Control Agent of Bactericera cockerelli (Hemiptera: Triozidae) in Potato

Nesidiocoris tenuis (Hemiptera: Miridae) is a generalist predator commonly used to control the whitefly Bemisia tabaci in Europe. This mirid has been found and established in South Texas, where it was initially observed feeding on nymphs of the psyllid Bactericera cockerelli (Hemiptera: Triozidae) in open tomato fields. B. cockerelli is the vector of the fastidious bacterium "Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum" that causes diseases in several solanaceous crops, including zebra chip (ZC) disease in potatoes. There is a need to better understand how this predator impacts the control of important crop pests, such as potato psyllids. We assessed the interactions between N. tenuis and B. cockerelli in three different environmental settings. First, we estimated the numeric response of N. tenuis preying on B. cockerelli under laboratory and greenhouse conditions. Second, we evaluated the predator-prey interaction under controlled field cage conditions. Then, we exposed N. tenuis under controlled field release conditions to the natural occurrence of B. cockerelli. Finally, we assessed the compatibility between the use of N. tenuis as a biological control agent in a field study and its impact on ZC disease incidence, severity in potato tubers, and potato yield. Laboratory and greenhouse experiments resulted in diverse types of functional model responses, including exponential and linear mathematical models. Our findings revealed a significant predation effect exerted by N. tenuis, resulting in a reduction of more than fourfold in the number of B. cockerelli nymphs per cage. Specifically, the nymphal population decreased from 21 ± 3.2 in the absence of N. tenuis to 5 ± 1.6 when N. tenuis was present. Furthermore, the combination of N. tenuis with a reduced insecticide program increased potato yields, but only reduced ZC tuber incidence in one of two potato cultivars evaluated, and in one season. Findings from these studies indicate that N. tenuis could be effective as a biological control agent for B. cockerelli in potato production in South Texas. This is the first report of N. tenuis preying on immature stages of any psyllid species.

Bacterial communities of the psyllid pest Bactericera cockerelli (Hemiptera: Triozidae) Central haplotype of tomato crops cultivated at different locations of Mexico

Background

The psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli, is an insect vector of 'Candidatus Liberibacter' causing "Zebra chip" disease that affects potato and other Solanaceae crops worldwide. In the present study, we analyzed the bacterial communities associated with the insect vector Bactericera cockerelli central haplotype of tomato crop fields in four regions from Mexico.

Methods

PCR was used to amplify the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I gene (mtCOI) and then analyze the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) and phylogenetic analysis for haplotype identification of the isolated B. cockerelli. Moreover, we carried out the microbial diversity analysis of several B. cockerelli collected from four regions of Mexico through the NGS sequencing of 16S rRNA V3 region. Finally, Wolbachia was detected by the wsp gene PCR amplification, which is the B. cockerelli facultative symbiont. Also we were able to confirm the relationship with several Wolbachia strains by phylogenetic analysis.

Results

Our results pointed that B. cockerelli collected in the four locations from Mexico (Central Mexico: Queretaro, and Northern Mexico: Sinaloa, Coahuila, and Nuevo Leon) were identified, such as the central haplotype. Analyses of the parameters of the composition, relative abundance, and diversity (Shannon index: 1.328 ± 0.472; Simpson index 0.582 ± 0.167), showing a notably relatively few microbial species in B. cockerelli. Analyses identified various facultative symbionts, particularly the Wolbachia (Rickettsiales: Anaplasmataceae) with a relative abundance higher. In contrast, the genera of Sodalis and 'Candidatus Carsonella' (Gammaproteobacteria: Oceanospirillales: Halomonadaceae) were identified with a relatively low abundance. On the other hand, the relative abundance for the genus 'Candidatus Liberibacter' was higher only for some of the locations analyzed. PCR amplification of a fragment of the gene encoding a surface protein (wsp) of Wolbachia and phylogenetic analysis corroborated the presence of this bacterium in the central haplotype. Beta-diversity analysis revealed that the presence of the genus 'Candidatus Liberibacter' influences the microbiota structure of this psyllid species.

Conclusions

Our data support that the members with the highest representation in microbial community of B. cockerelli central haplotype, comprise their obligate symbiont, Carsonella, and facultative symbionts. We also found evidence that among the factors analyzed, the presence of the plant pathogen affects the structure and composition of the bacterial community associated with B. cockerelli.

Unveiling metabolic integration in psyllids and their nutritional endosymbionts through comparative transcriptomics analysis

Psyllids, a group of insects that feed on plant sap, have a symbiotic relationship with an endosymbiont called Carsonella. Carsonella synthesizes essential amino acids and vitamins for its psyllid host, but lacks certain genes required for this process, suggesting a compensatory role of psyllid host genes. To investigate this, gene expression was compared between two psyllid species, Bactericera cockerelli and Diaphorina citri, in specialized cells where Carsonella resides (bacteriomes). Collaborative psyllid genes, including horizontally transferred genes, showed patterns of conserved gene expression; however, species-specific patterns were also observed, suggesting differences in the nutritional metabolism between psyllid species. Also, the recycling of nitrogen in bacteriomes may primarily rely on glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH). Additionally, lineage-specific gene clusters were differentially expressed in B. cockerelli and D. citri bacteriomes and are highlighted here. These findings shed light on potential host adaptations for the regulation of this symbiosis due to host, microbiome, and environmental differences.

Distribution, Vertical Transmission, and Cooperative Mechanisms of Obligate Symbiotic Bacteria in the Leafhopper Maiestas dorsalis (Hemiptera, Cicadellidea)

Many insects rely on ancient symbiotic bacterial associations for essential nutrition. Auchenorrhyncha commonly harbor two obligate symbionts: Sulcia (Bacteroidetes) and a proteobacterial partner that supplies essential amino acids lacking in their plant-sap diets. In this study focusing on Maiestas dorsalis, we investigated the distribution and vertical transmission of two obligate symbiotic bacteria, Sulcia and Nasuia, within the leafhopper. Sulcia primarily inhabits the external region of the bacteriome, while Nasuia is restricted to the internal region. Both symbionts progressively infiltrate the ovary through the epithelial plug, ultimately reaching the developing primary oocyte. Furthermore, co-phylogenetic analysis suggests a close correlation between the evolution of Auchenorrhyncha insects and the presence of their obligate symbiotic bacteria. Genomic analysis further unveiled the extreme genome reduction of the obligate symbiotic bacteria, with Sulcia retaining genes involved in basic cellular processes and limited energy synthesis, while Nasuia exhibited further gene loss in replication, transcription, translation, and energy synthesis. However, both symbionts retained the genes for synthesizing the essential amino acids required by the host insect. Our study highlights the coevolutionary dynamics between Sulcia, proteobacterial partners, and their insect hosts, shedding light on the intricate nutritional interactions and evolutionary adaptations in Auchenorrhyncha insects.

Spatial Distribution and Temporal Dynamics of Candidatus Liberibacter Asiaticus in Different Stages of Embryos, Nymphs and Adults of Diaphorina citri

Huanglongbing, a globally devastating citrus disease, is associated with Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas) and is mainly transmitted by Diaphorina citri. Verification of the distribution and dynamics of CLas in D. citri is critical to understanding CLas transmitted by vectors in nature. Here, the distribution and titers of CLas in different sexes and tissues of D. citri adults were investigated by fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Results showed that CLas had widespread distribution in the brain, salivary glands, digestive system, and reproductive system of both females and males, indicating a systemic infection of CLas in D. citri. Moreover, CLas fluorescence intensity and titers were significantly increased in both the digestive system and the female reproductive system with development and there was a marked decreased in both the salivary glands and the male brain, but there was no significant change in the female brain or the male reproductive system. Furthermore, the distribution and dynamics of CLas in embryos and nymphs were investigated. CLas was observed in all laid eggs and subsequent first-second-instar nymphs, indicating that a high percentage of embryos and nymphs resulting from infected D. citri mothers were infected with CLas.

Microbiome of pear psyllids: A tale about closely related species sharing their endosymbionts

Psyllids are phloem-feeding insects that can transmit plant pathogens such as phytoplasmas, intracellular bacteria causing numerous plant diseases worldwide. Their microbiomes are essential for insect physiology and may also influence the capacity of vectors to transmit pathogens. Using 16S rRNA gene metabarcoding, we compared the microbiomes of three sympatric psyllid species associated with pear trees in Central Europe. All three species are able to transmit 'Candidatus Phytoplasma pyri', albeit with different efficiencies. Our results revealed potential relationships between insect biology and microbiome composition that varied during psyllid ontogeny and between generations in Cacopsylla pyri and C. pyricola, as well as between localities in C. pyri. In contrast, no variations related to psyllid life cycle and geography were detected in C. pyrisuga. In addition to the primary endosymbiont Carsonella ruddii, we detected another highly abundant endosymbiont (unclassified Enterobacteriaceae). C. pyri and C. pyricola shared the same taxon of Enterobacteriaceae which is related to endosymbionts harboured by other psyllid species from various families. In contrast, C. pyrisuga carried a different Enterobacteriaceae taxon related to the genus Sodalis. Our study provides new insights into host-symbiont interactions in psyllids and highlights the importance of host biology and geography in shaping microbiome structure.

Wolbachia infection dynamics in a natural population of the pear psyllid Cacopsylla pyri (Hemiptera: Psylloidea) across its seasonal generations

Wolbachia is one of the most abundant intracellular symbionts of arthropods and has profound effects on host biology. Wolbachia transmission and host phenotypes often depend on its density within the host, which can be affected by multiple biotic and abiotic factors. However, very few studies measured Wolbachia density in natural host populations. Here, we describe Wolbachia in the pear psyllid Cacopsylla pyri from three populations in the Czech Republic. Using phylogenetic analyses based on wsp and multilocus sequence typing genes, we demonstrate that C. pyri harbours three new Wolbachia strains from supergroup B. A fourth Wolbachia strain from supergroup A was also detected in parasitised immatures of C. pyri, but likely came from a hymenopteran parasitoid. To obtain insights into natural Wolbachia infection dynamics, we quantified Wolbachia in psyllid individuals from the locality with the highest prevalence across an entire year, spanning several seasonal generations of the host. All tested females were infected and Wolbachia density remained stable across the entire period, suggesting a highly efficient vertical transmission and little influence from the environment and different host generations. In contrast, we observed a tendency towards reduced Wolbachia density in males which may suggest sex-related differences in Wolbachia-psyllid interactions.

Investigating the microbial community of Cacopsylla spp. as potential factor in vector competence of phytoplasma

Phytoplasmas are obligatory intracellular bacteria that colonize the phloem of many plant species and cause hundreds of plant diseases worldwide. In nature, phytoplasmas are primarily transmitted by hemipteran vectors. While all phloem-feeding insects could in principle transmit phytoplasmas, only a limited number of species have been confirmed as vectors. Knowledge about factors that might determine the vector capacity is currently scarce. Here, we characterized the microbiomes of vector and non-vector species of apple proliferation (AP) phytoplasma 'Candidatus Phytoplasma mali' to investigate their potential role in the vector capacity of the host. We performed high-throughput 16S rRNA metabarcoding of the two principal AP-vectors Cacopsylla picta and Cacopsylla melanoneura and eight Cacopsylla species, which are not AP-vectors but co-occur in apple orchards. The microbiomes of all species are dominated by Carsonella, the primary endosymbiont of psyllids and a second uncharacterized Enterobacteriaceae endosymbiont. Each Cacopsylla species harboured a species-specific phylotype of both symbionts. Moreover, we investigated differences between the microbiomes of AP-vector versus non-vector species and identified the predominant endosymbionts but also Wolbachia and several minor taxa as potential indicator species. Our study highlights the importance of considering the microbiome in future investigations of potential factors influencing host vector competence. We investigated the potential role of symbiotic bacteria in the acquisition and transmission of phytoplasma. By comparing the two main psyillid vector species of Apple proliferation (AP) phytoplasma and eight co-occurring species, which are not able to vector AP-phytoplasma, we found differences in the microbial communities of AP-vector and non-vector species, which appear to be driven by the predominant symbionts in both vector species and Wolbachia and several minor taxa in the non-vector species. In contrast, infection with AP-phytoplasma did not affect microbiome composition in both vector species. Our study provides new insights into the endosymbiont diversity of Cacopsylla spp. and highlights the importance of considering the microbiome when investigating potential factors influencing host vector competence.

Effects of 'Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum' haplotypes A and B on tomato gene expression and geotropism

BACKGROUND

The tomato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli Šulc (Hemiptera: Triozidae), is a pest of solanaceous crops such as tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) in the U.S. and vectors the disease-causing pathogen 'Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum' (or Lso). Disease symptom severity is dependent on Lso haplotype: tomato plants infected with Lso haplotype B experience more severe symptoms and higher mortality compared to plants infected with Lso haplotype A. By characterizing the molecular differences in the tomato plant's responses to Lso haplotypes, the key components of LsoB virulence can be identified and, thus, targeted for disease mitigation strategies.

RESULTS

To characterize the tomato plant genes putatively involved in the differential immune responses to Lso haplotypes A and B, RNA was extracted from tomato 'Moneymaker' leaves 3 weeks after psyllid infestation. Gene expression levels were compared between uninfected tomato plants (i.e., controls and plants infested with Lso-free psyllids) and infected plants (i.e., plants infested with psyllids infected with either Lso haplotype A or Lso haplotype B). Furthermore, expression levels were compared between plants infected with Lso haplotype A and plants infected with Lso haplotype B. A whole transcriptome analysis identified 578 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between uninfected and infected plants as well as 451 DEGs between LsoA- and LsoB-infected plants. These DEGs were primarily associated with plant defense against abiotic and biotic stressors, growth/development, plant primary metabolism, transport and signaling, and transcription/translation. These gene expression changes suggested that tomato plants traded off plant growth and homeostasis for improved defense against pathogens, especially when infected with LsoB. Consistent with these results, tomato plant growth experiments determined that LsoB-infected plants were significantly stunted and had impaired negative geotropism. However, it appeared that the defense responses mounted by tomatoes were insufficient for overcoming the disease symptoms and mortality caused by LsoB infection, while these defenses could compensate for LsoA infection.

CONCLUSION

The transcriptomic analysis and growth experiments demonstrated that Lso-infected tomato plants underwent gene expression changes related to abiotic and biotic stressors, impaired growth/development, impaired plant primary metabolism, impaired transport and signaling transduction, and impaired transcription/translation. Furthermore, the transcriptomic analysis also showed that LsoB-infected plants, relative to LsoA-infected, experienced more severe stunting, had improved responses to some stressors and impaired responses to others, had poorer transport and signaling transduction, and had impaired carbohydrate synthesis and photosynthesis.

Bacterial Endosymbionts of Bactericera maculipennis and Three Mitochondrial Haplotypes of B. cockerelli (Hemiptera: Psylloidea: Triozidae)

Insects harbor bacterial endosymbionts that provide their hosts with nutritional benefit or with protection against natural enemies, plant defenses, insecticides, or abiotic stresses. We used directed sequencing of 16S rDNA to identify and compare endosymbionts of Bactericera maculipennis (Crawford) and the western, central, and northwestern haplotypes of B. cockerelli (Šulc) (Hemiptera: Psylloidea: Triozidae). Both species are native to North America, are known to harbor the plant pathogen 'Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum' and develop on shared host plants within the Convolvulaceae. The Old-World species Heterotrioza chenopodii (Reuter) (Psylloidea: Triozidae), now found in North America, was included as an outgroup. 16S sequencing confirmed that both Bactericera species harbor 'Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum' and revealed that both species harbor unique strains of Wolbachia and Sodalis. However, the presence of Wolbachia and Sodalis varied among haplotypes of B. cockerelli. The central and western haplotypes harbored the same strains of Wolbachia, which was confirmed by Sanger sequencing of the wsp and ftsZ genes. Wolbachia was also detected in very low abundance from the northwestern haplotype by high-throughput sequencing of 16S but was not detected from this haplotype by PCR screening. The northwestern and central haplotypes also harbored Sodalis, which was not detected in the western haplotype. Heterotrioza chenopodii harbored an entirely different community of potential endosymbionts compared with the Bactericera spp. that included Rickettsia and an unidentified bacterium in the Enterobacteriaceae. Results of this study provide a foundation for further research on the interactions between psyllids and their bacterial endosymbionts.

Microbiome analyses of 12 psyllid species of the family Psyllidae identified various bacteria including Fukatsuia and Serratia symbiotica, known as secondary symbionts of aphids

Background

Psyllids (Hemiptera: Psylloidea) comprise a group of plant sap-sucking insects that includes important agricultural pests. They have close associations not only with plant pathogens, but also with various microbes, including obligate mutualists and facultative symbionts. Recent studies are revealing that interactions among such bacterial populations are important for psyllid biology and host plant pathology. In the present study, to obtain further insight into the ecological and evolutionary behaviors of bacteria in Psylloidea, we analyzed the microbiomes of 12 psyllid species belonging to the family Psyllidae (11 from Psyllinae and one from Macrocorsinae), using high-throughput amplicon sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene.

Results

The analysis showed that all 12 psyllids have the primary symbiont, Candidatus Carsonella ruddii (Gammaproteobacteria: Oceanospirillales), and at least one secondary symbiont. The majority of the secondary symbionts were gammaproteobacteria, especially those of the family Enterobacteriaceae (order: Enterobacteriales). Among them, symbionts belonging to “endosymbionts3”, which is a genus-level monophyletic group assigned by the SILVA rRNA database, were the most prevalent and were found in 9 of 11 Psyllinae species. Ca. Fukatsuia symbiotica and Serratia symbiotica, which were recognized only as secondary symbionts of aphids, were also identified. In addition to other Enterobacteriaceae bacteria, including Arsenophonus, Sodalis, and “endosymbionts2”, which is another genus-level clade, Pseudomonas (Pseudomonadales: Pseudomonadaceae) and Diplorickettsia (Diplorickettsiales: Diplorickettsiaceae) were identified. Regarding Alphaproteobacteria, the potential plant pathogen Ca. Liberibacter europaeus (Rhizobiales: Rhizobiaceae) was detected for the first time in Anomoneura mori (Psyllinae), a mulberry pest. Wolbachia (Rickettsiales: Anaplasmataceae) and Rickettsia (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae), plausible host reproduction manipulators that are potential tools to control pest insects, were also detected.

Conclusions

The present study identified various bacterial symbionts including previously unexpected lineages in psyllids, suggesting considerable interspecific transfer of arthropod symbionts. The findings provide deeper insights into the evolution of interactions among insects, bacteria, and plants, which may be exploited to facilitate the control of pest psyllids in the future.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12866-021-02429-2.

High-resolution Microbiome Analyses of Nine Psyllid Species of the Family Triozidae Identified Previously Unrecognized but Major Bacterial Populations, including Liberibacter and Wolbachia of Supergroup O

Psyllids (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha: Psylloidea) are plant sap-sucking insects that include important agricultural pests. To obtain insights into the ecological and evolutionary behaviors of microbes, including plant pathogens, in Psylloidea, high-resolution ana-lyses of the microbiomes of nine psyllid species belonging to the family Triozidae were performed using high-throughput amplicon sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. Analyses identified various bacterial populations, showing that all nine psyllids have at least one secondary symbiont, along with the primary symbiont "Candidatus Carsonella ruddii" (Gammaproteobacteria: Oceanospirillales: Halomonadaceae). The majority of the secondary symbionts were gammaproteobacteria, particularly those of the order Enterobacterales, which included Arsenophonus and Serratia symbiotica, a bacterium formerly recognized only as a secondary symbiont of aphids (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha: Aphidoidea). The non-Enterobacterales gammaproteobacteria identified in the present study were Diplorickettsia (Diplorickettsiales: Diplorickettsiaceae), a potential human pathogen, and Carnimonas (Oceanospirillales: Halomonadaceae), a lineage detected for the first time in Psylloidea. Regarding alphaproteobacteria, the potential plant pathogen "Ca. Liberibacter europaeus" (Rhizobiales: Rhizobiaceae) was detected for the first time in Epitrioza yasumatsui, which feeds on the Japanese silverberry Elaeagnus umbellata (Elaeagnaceae), an aggressive invasive plant in the United States and Europe. Besides the detection of Wolbachia (Rickettsiales: Anaplasmataceae) of supergroup B in three psyllid species, a lineage belonging to supergroup O was identified for the first time in Psylloidea. These results suggest the rampant transfer of bacterial symbionts among animals and plants, thereby providing deeper insights into the evolution of interkingdom interactions among multicellular organisms and bacteria, which will facilitate the control of pest psyllids.

Uncovering Symbionts Across the Psyllid Tree of Life and the Discovery of a New Liberibacter Species, "Candidatus" Liberibacter capsica

Sap-feeding insects in the order Hemiptera associate with obligate endosymbionts that are required for survival and facultative endosymbionts that can potentially modify resistance to stress, enemies, development, and reproduction. In the superfamily Psylloidea, the jumping plant lice (psyllids), less is known about the diversity and prevalence of their endosymbionts compared to other sap-feeding pests such as aphids (Aphididae). To address this knowledge gap, using 16S rRNA sequencing we identify symbionts across divergent psyllid host lineages from around the world. Taking advantage of a new comprehensive phylogenomic analyses of Psylloidea, we included psyllid samples from 44 species of 35 genera of five families, collected from 11 international locations for this study. Across psyllid lineages, a total of 91 OTUs were recovered, predominantly of the Enterobacteriaceae (68%). The diversity of endosymbionts harbored by each psyllid species was low with an average of approximately 3 OTUs. Two clades of endosymbionts (clade 1 and 2), belonging to Enterobacteriaceae, were identified that appear to be long term endosymbionts of the psyllid families Triozidae and Psyllidae, respectively. We also conducted high throughput metagenomic sequencing on three Ca. Liberibacter infected psyllid species (Russelliana capsici, Trichochermes walkeri, and Macrohomotoma gladiata), initially identified from 16S rRNA sequencing, to obtain more genomic information on these putative Liberibacter plant pathogens. The phylogenomic analyses from these data identified a new Ca. Liberibacter species, Candidatus Liberibacter capsica, that is a potential pathogen of solanaceous crops. This new species shares a distant ancestor with Ca. L. americanus, which occurs in the same range as R. capsici in South America. We also detected the first association between a psyllid specializing on woody hosts and the Liberibacter species Ca. L. psyllaurous, which is a globally distributed pathogen of herbaceous crop hosts in the Solanaceae. Finally, we detected a potential association between a psyllid pest of figs (M. gladiata) and a Ca. Liberibacter related to Ca. L. asiaticus, which causes severe disease in citrus. Our findings reveal a wider diversity of associations between facultative symbionts and psyllids than previously reported and suggest numerous avenues for future work to clarify novel associations of ecological, evolutionary, and pathogenic interest.

Lasting consequences of psyllid (Bactericera cockerelli L.) infestation on tomato defense, gene expression, and growth

BACKGROUND

The tomato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli Šulc (Hemiptera: Triozidae), is a pest of solanaceous crops such as tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) in the U.S. and vectors the disease-causing pathogen 'Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum'. Currently, the only effective strategies for controlling the diseases associated with this pathogen involve regular pesticide applications to manage psyllid population density. However, such practices are unsustainable and will eventually lead to widespread pesticide resistance in psyllids. Therefore, new control strategies must be developed to increase host-plant resistance to insect vectors. For example, expression of constitutive and inducible plant defenses can be improved through selection. Currently, it is still unknown whether psyllid infestation has any lasting consequences on tomato plant defense or tomato plant gene expression in general.

RESULTS

In order to characterize the genes putatively involved in tomato defense against psyllid infestation, RNA was extracted from psyllid-infested and uninfested tomato leaves (Moneymaker) 3 weeks post-infestation. Transcriptome analysis identified 362 differentially expressed genes. These differentially expressed genes were primarily associated with defense responses to abiotic/biotic stress, transcription/translation, cellular signaling/transport, and photosynthesis. These gene expression changes suggested that tomato plants underwent a reduction in plant growth/health in exchange for improved defense against stress that was observable 3 weeks after psyllid infestation. Consistent with these observations, tomato plant growth experiments determined that the plants were shorter 3 weeks after psyllid infestation. Furthermore, psyllid nymphs had lower survival rates on tomato plants that had been previously psyllid infested.

CONCLUSION

These results suggested that psyllid infestation has lasting consequences for tomato gene expression, defense, and growth.

16S rRNA Sequencing Detected Profftella, Liberibacter, Wolbachia, and Diplorickettsia from Relatives of the Asian Citrus Psyllid

The Asian citrus psyllid Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Psylloidea) is a serious pest of citrus species worldwide because it transmits Candidatus Liberibacter spp. (Alphaproteobacteria: Rhizobiales), the causative agents of the incurable citrus disease, huanglongbing or greening disease. Diaphorina citri possesses a specialized organ called a bacteriome, which harbors vertically transmitted intracellular mutualists, Ca. Carsonella ruddii (Gammaproteobacteria: Oceanospirillales) and Ca. Profftella armatura (Gammaproteobacteria: Betaproteobacteriales). Whereas Carsonella is a typical nutritional symbiont, Profftella is an unprecedented type of toxin-producing defensive symbiont, unusually sharing organelle-like features with nutritional symbionts. Additionally, many D. citri strains are infected with Wolbachia, which manipulate reproduction in various arthropod hosts. In the present study, in an effort to obtain insights into the evolution of symbioses between Diaphorina and bacteria, microbiomes of psyllids closely related to D. citri were investigated. Bacterial populations of Diaphorina cf. continua and Diaphorina lycii were analyzed using Illumina sequencing of 16S rRNA gene amplicons and compared with data obtained from D. citri. The analysis revealed that all three Diaphorina spp. harbor Profftella as well as Carsonella lineages, implying that Profftella is widespread within the genus Diaphorina. Moreover, the analysis identified Ca. Liberibacter europaeus and Diplorickettsia sp. (Gammaproteobacteria: Diplorickettsiales) in D. cf. continua, and a total of four Wolbachia (Alphaproteobacteria: Rickettsiales) lineages in the three psyllid species. These results provide deeper insights into the interactions among insects, bacteria, and plants, which would eventually help to better manage horticulture.

Lso-HPE1, an Effector of 'Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum', Can Repress Plant Immune Response

'Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum' is a plant pathogen affecting the families Solanaceae and Apiaceae in different parts of the world. 'Ca. L. solanacearum' is a Gram-negative, fastidious α-proteobacterium that is vectored by different psyllid species. Plant-pathogenic bacteria are known for interfering with the host physiology or defense mechanisms, often by secreting bacterial effectors. Effector proteins are critical for virulence; therefore, the identification of effectors could help with disease management. In this study, we characterized the Sec-translocon-dependent 'Ca. L. solanacearum'-hypothetical protein effector 1 (Lso-HPE1). We compared this protein sequence in the different 'Ca. L. solanacearum' haplotypes. We predicted the signal peptide and validated its function using Escherichia coli's alkaline phosphatase fusion assay. Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transient expression in Nicotiana benthamiana demonstrated that Lso-HPE1 from 'Ca. L. solanacearum' haplotypes A and B were able to inhibit the induction of cell death in plants. We also compared gene expression of the Lso-HPE1- transcripts in 'Ca. L. solanacearum' haplotypes A and B in tomato and in the vector Bactericera cockerelli. This work validates the identification of a Sec-translocon-dependent 'Ca. L. solanacearum' protein possibly involved in suppression of plant cell death.

Effects of "Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum" (haplotype B) on Bactericera cockerelli fitness and vitellogenesis

"Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum" (Lso) are phloem-restricted and unculturable Gram-negative bacteria. Presently five haplotypes have been identified worldwide; but only haplotypes A and B are associated with the vector Bactericera cockerelli (Šulc.) in the Americas. Previous studies showed that Lso-infection reduces B. cockerelli reproductive output and that Lso haplotype B is more pathogenic than Lso haplotype A. To understand the interaction of Lso haplotype B and B. cockerelli, the fitness of Lso-free and Lso B-infected insects, and the expression of vitellogenin (BcVg1-like), a gene involved directly in the insect reproduction were analyzed. Statistical differences in the number of eggs oviposited, and the total number of progeny nymphs and adults were found among crosses of insects with or without Lso. Significant differences in sex proportions were found between Lso B-infected and Lso-free crosses: a higher proportion of F₁ adult females were obtained from Lso B-infected mothers. A significant reduction of BcVg1-like was observed in crosses performed with Lso B-infected females compared to the Lso-free insects. In female cohorts of different age, a significant reduction of BcVg1-like expression was measured in 7-d-old Lso B-infected females (virgin and mated) compared with 7-d-old Lso-free females (virgin and mated), respectively. The reduction of BcVg1-like transcript was associated with a lower number of developing oocytes observed in female's reproductive systems. Overall, this study represents the first step to understand the interaction of Lso B with B. cockerelli, highlighting the effect of Lso B infection on egg production, BcVg1-like expression, and oocyte development.

16S rRNA Gene Sequencing Reveals a Shift in the Microbiota of Diaphorina citri During the Psyllid Life Cycle

The Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri) is a major pest of citrus trees as it transmits Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas). The composition of a host’s microbiota can affect the evolution and ecological distribution of the host. This study monitored the compositional shifts in the citrus psyllid microbiota through all the life stages (egg, nymph 1–5 stages, and adult) by next-generation sequencing (NGS) and quantitative real-time PCR. There were clear differences in both α- and β-diversity of microbiota through the psyllid life stages. Microbiota diversity was markedly higher in the nymph 2–5 stages than in the adult, egg, and nymph 1 stages. Proteobacteria were dominant in all the life stages of D. citri, representing >97.5% of the total bacterial community, and Candidatus Profftella armature was the dominant genus in all the life stages. Data from the qPCR analysis showed an exponential increase in the populations of three D. citri endosymbionts: Candidatus Profftella armature, Candidatus Carsonella ruddii, and Wolbachia. The gut bacterium Pantoea was present in all the life stages, but it was markedly higher in the nymph 2–5 stages. The microbiota composition substantially differed among the egg–nymph 1, nymphs 2–5, and adult stages. Therefore, we successfully characterized the microbiota dynamics and thus identified a microbiota shift during the life cycle of D. citri by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and quantitative PCR. Moreover, 16S rRNA gene sequencing suggested that D. citri acquired the ability to bear CLas in the nymph 1 stage. This study enhances our understanding of microbial establishment in the developing D. citri and provides a reference resource for the identification of potential biocontrol approaches against this pest.

Color morphology of Diaphorina citri influences interactions with its bacterial endosymbionts and 'Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus'

Diaphorina citri is a vector of 'Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus,' (CLas), associated with Huanglongbing, (HLB, or citrus greening) disease in citrus. D. citri exhibits three different color morph variants, blue, gray and yellow. Blue morphs have a greater capacity for long-distance flight as compared to non-blue morphs, but little else is known about how color morphology influences vector characteristics. In this study, we show that the color morphology of the insect is derived from pigmented cells of the fat body. Blue morphs acquire a lower level of CLas in their bodies from infected trees as compared to their gray and yellow conspecifics, referred to in this paper collectively as non-blue morphs. Accordingly, CLas titer in citrus leaves inoculated by non-blue insects was 6-fold higher than in leaves inoculated by blue insects. Blue color morphs harbored lower titers of Wolbachia and 'Candidatus Profftella armatura,' two of the D. citri bacterial endosymbionts. Expression of hemocyanin, a copper-binding oxygen transport protein responsible for the blue coloration of hemolymph of other arthropods and mollusks, was previously correlated with blue color morphology and is highly up-regulated in insects continuously reared on CLas infected citrus trees. Based on our results, we hypothesized that a reduction of hemocyanin expression would reduce the D. citri immune response and an increase in the titer of CLas would be observed. Surprisingly, a specific 3-fold reduction of hemocyanin-1 transcript levels using RNA silencing in blue adult D. citri morphs had an approximately 2-fold reduction on the titer of CLas. These results suggest that hemocyanin signaling from the fat body may have multiple functions in the regulation of bacterial titers in D. citri, and that hemocyanin is one of multiple psyllid genes involved in regulating CLas titer.

Infection by Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum' haplotypes A and B in Solanum lycopersicum 'Moneymaker'

'Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum' is a plant pathogen associated with diseases affecting several crops of the Solanaceae and Apiaceae families. Two 'Ca. L. solanacearum' haplotypes (LsoA and LsoB) infect solanaceous crops in North America and are transmitted by the tomato psyllid Bactericera cockerelli. Although both 'Ca. L. solanacearum' haplotypes cause zebra chip in potato, the diseases associated with each haplotype in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) have not been described. 'Ca. L. solanacearum'-infected tomato plants exhibit symptoms resembling those of permanent yellowing disease (known in Mexico as "permanente del tomate") and sometimes called psyllid yellows. In this study, the symptoms associated with each 'Ca. L. solanacearum' haplotype in tomato were compared, and the bacterial abundance in different nodes of the plants was measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Surprisingly, both plant phenotype and bacterium distribution were different between LsoA- and LsoB-infected plants. Plants infected with LsoB died prematurely, whereas those infected with LsoA did not. Across the measured time points, LsoB abundance in infected plants was consistent with previous reports describing a sink to source gradient, while such gradient was only observed in LsoA-infected plants early after infection. This is the first report describing the differences in symptoms in tomato associated with two 'Ca. L. solanacearum' haplotypes, LsoA and LsoB.

Global gene regulation in tomato plant (Solanum lycopersicum) responding to vector (Bactericera cockerelli) feeding and pathogen ('Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum') infection

Different responses are elicited in tomato plants by Bactericera cockerelli harboring or not the pathogen 'Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum'. 'Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum' (Lso) has emerged as a major pathogen of crops worldwide. This bacterial pathogen is transmitted by Bactericera cockerelli, the tomato psyllid, to solanaceous crops. In this study, the transcriptome profiles of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) exposed to B. cockerelli infestation and Lso infection were evaluated at 1, 2 and 4 weeks following colonization and/or infection. The plant transcriptional responses to Lso-negative B. cockerelli were different than plant responses to Lso-positive B. cockerelli. The comparative transcriptome analyses of plant responses to Lso-negative B. cockerelli revealed the up-regulation of genes associated with plant defenses regardless of the time-point. In contrast, the general responses to Lso-positive B. cockerelli and Lso-infection were temporally different. Infected plants down-regulated defense genes at week one while delayed the up-regulation of the defense genes until weeks two and four, time points in which early signs of disease development were also detected in the transcriptional response. For example, infected plants regulated carbohydrate metabolism genes which could be linked to the disruption of sugar distribution usually associated with Lso infection. Also, infected plants down-regulated photosynthesis-related genes potentially resulting in plant chlorosis, another symptom associated with Lso infection. Overall, this study highlights that tomato plants induce different sets of genes in response to different stages of B. cockerelli infestation and Lso infection. This is the first transcriptome study of tomato responses to B. cockerelli and Lso, a first step in the direction of finding plant defense genes to enhance plant resistance.

Characterization of the Serralysin-Like Gene of 'Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum' Associated with Potato Zebra Chip Disease

The nonculturable bacterium 'Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum' is the causative agent of zebra chip disease in potato. Computational analysis of the 'Ca. L. solanacearum' genome revealed a serralysin-like gene based on conserved domains characteristic of genes encoding metalloprotease enzymes similar to serralysin. Serralysin and other serralysin family metalloprotease are typically characterized as virulence factors and are secreted by the type I secretion system (T1SS). The 'Ca. L. solanacearum' serralysin-like gene is located next to and divergently transcribed from genes encoding a T1SS. Based on its relationship to the T1SS and the role of other serralysin family proteases in circumventing host antimicrobial defenses, it was speculated that a functional 'Ca. L. solanacearum' serralysin-like protease could be a potent virulence factor. Gene expression analysis showed that, from weeks 2 to 6, the expression of the 'Ca. L. solanacearum' serralysin-like gene was at least twofold higher than week 1, indicating that gene expression stays high as the disease progresses. A previously constructed serralysin-deficient mutant of Serratia liquefaciens FK01, an endophyte associated with insects, as well as an Escherichia coli lacking serralysin production were used as surrogates for expression analysis of the 'Ca. L. solanacearum' serralysin-like gene. The LsoA and LsoB proteins were expressed as both intact proteins and chimeric S. liquefaciens-'Ca. L. solanacearum' serralysin-like proteins to facilitate secretion in the S. liquefaciens surrogate and as intact proteins or as a truncated LsoB protein containing just the putative catalytic domains in the E. coli surrogate. None of the 'Ca. L. solanacearum' protein constructs expressed in either surrogate demonstrated proteolytic activity in skim milk or zymogram assays, or in colorimetric assays using purified protein, suggesting that the 'Ca. L. solanacearum' serralysin-like gene does not encode a functional protease, or at least not in our surrogate systems.

The influence of bacteria on multitrophic interactions among plants, psyllids, and pathogen

The recent emergence of several plant diseases caused by psyllid-borne bacterial pathogens worldwide (Candidatus Liberibacter spp.) has created renewed interest on the interaction between psyllids and bacteria. In spite of these efforts to understand psyllid association with bacteria, many aspects of their interactions remain poorly understood. As more organisms are studied, subtleties on the molecular interactions as well as on the effects of the bacteria on the psyllid host are being uncovered. Additionally, psyllid-borne bacterial phytopathogens can also affect the host plant, which in turn can impact psyllid physiology and behavior. Here, we review the current literature on different aspects of the influence of bacteria on multitrophic interactions among plants, psyllids, and pathogens. We then highlight gaps that need to be addressed to advance this field, which can have significant implications for controlling these newly emergent and other plant diseases.

Tale of the Huanglongbing Disease Pyramid in the Context of the Citrus Microbiome

The Huanglongbing (HLB) disease pyramid is composed of Liberibacters, psyllid vectors, citrus hosts, and the environment. The epidemiological outcomes for Liberibacter-associated plant diseases are collectively determined by the inherent relationships among plant-Liberibacters-psyllids, and how various environmental factors affect plant-Liberibacter-psyllid interactions. Citrus-Liberibacter-psyllid interactions occur in a complex microbiome system. In this review, we focus on the progress in understanding the HLB disease pyramid, and how the microbiome affects the HLB disease pyramid including the interaction between HLB and the citrus microbiome; the interaction between Liberibacters and psyllids; the interaction between Liberibacters and gut microbiota in psyllids; and the effect of HLB on selected above- and belowground citrus pathogens. Their implications for HLB management are also discussed.

Interactions "Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum"-Bactericera cockerelli: Haplotype Effect on Vector Fitness and Gene Expression Analyses

"Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum" (Lso) has emerged as a serious threat world-wide. Five Lso haplotypes have been identified so far. Haplotypes A and B are present in the Americas and/or New Zealand, where they are vectored to solanaceous plants by the potato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli (Šulc) (Hemiptera: Triozidae). The fastidious nature of these pathogens has hindered the study of the interactions with their eukaryotic hosts (vector and plant). To understand the strategies used by these pathogens to infect their vector, the effects of each Lso haplotype (A or B) on psyllid fitness was investigated, and genome-wide transcriptomic and RT-qPCR analyses were performed to evaluate Lso gene expression in association with its vector. Results showed that psyllids infected with haplotype B had significantly lower percentage of nymphal survival compared to psyllids infected with haplotype A. Although overall gene expression across Lso genome was similar between the two Lso haplotypes, differences in the expression of key candidate genes were found. Among the 16 putative type IV effector genes tested, four of them were differentially expressed between Lso haplotypes, while no differences in gene expression were measured by qPCR or transcriptomic analysis for the rest of the genes. This study provides new information regarding the pathogenesis of Lso haplotypes in their insect vector.

Culex quinquefasciatus larval microbiomes vary with instar and exposure to common wastewater contaminants

Like many insects, mosquitoes, rely on endosymbionts to grow and develop. These can be acquired from the environment. We used next generation 454 pyrosequencing to discern the whole-body microbiome of the mosquito species Culex quinquefasciatus in various larval stadia and following exposure to common pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs) found in wastewater. PPCP treatments included environmentally-relevant concentrations; 1) a combination of common antibiotics, 2) a combination of mammalian hormones, 3) a mixture of the antibiotic and hormone treatments plus acetaminophen and caffeine and, 4) an untreated control. Within control groups, the predominant families of bacterial symbionts change with each larval instar despite consistent diets and rearing conditions. This trend was also seen in hormone treatments but not in the antibiotic or the mixture treatments. Richness and evenness were reduced in both antibiotic and mixture treatments, suggesting that antibiotics remove certain bacteria or inhibit them from increasing to proportions seen in the control treatment. Interestingly, the mixture treatments had greater richness and evenness compared to antibiotic alone treatments, possibly due to the other contaminants facilitating growth of different bacteria. These findings illuminate the complexity of the microbiome of C. quinquefasciatus and may have implications for more effective control strategies.

Ultrastructure of the salivary glands, alimentary canal and bacteria-like organisms in the Asian citrus psyllid, vector of citrus huanglongbing disease bacteria

The Asian citrus psyllid (ACP, Diaphorina citri, Hemiptera: Liviidae) is the principal vector of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (Las), the putative bacterial agent of citrus greening/huanglongbing (HLB); currently the most serious citrus disease worldwide. Las is transmitted in a persistent–propagative manner by ACP, and the salivary glands and midgut have been suggested as transmission barriers that can impede translocation of Las within the vector. However, no detailed ultrastructural studies have been reported on these organs in this or other psyllid species, although some bacterium-like structures have been described in them and assumed to be the causal agents of HLB. In this study, we describe the ultrastructure of the salivary glands, filter chamber, other parts of the alimentary canal, and other organs and tissues of ACP including the compound ganglionic mass (in the thorax) and the bacteriome (in the abdomen). Furthermore, in addition to two ultrastructurally apparently different symbiotic bacteria found in the bacteriome, other morphological types of bacteria were found in the gut epithelial cells and salivary glands of both Las-infected (quantitative polymerase chain reaction positive) and noninfected (quantitative polymerase chain reaction negative) ACP. These results show the importance of immunolabeling, fluorescence in situ hybridization, or other labeling techniques that must be used before identifying any bacterium-like structures in ACP or other vectors as Las or other possible agents of HLB. This ultrastructural investigation should help future work on the cellular and subcellular aspects of pathogen–psyllid relationships, including the study of receptors, binding sites, and transmission barriers of Las and other pathogens within their psyllid vectors.

Localization of 'Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum' and Evidence for Surface Appendages in the Potato Psyllid Vector

The potato psyllid Bactericera cockerelli is implicated as the vector of the causal agent of zebra chip of potato and vein-greening of tomato diseases. Until now, visual identification of bacteria in the genus 'Candidatus Liberibacter' has relied on direct imaging by light and electron microscopy without labeling, or with whole-organ fluorescence labeling only. In this study, aldehyde fixative followed by a coagulant fixative, was used to process adult psyllids for transmission electron microscopy (TEM) colloidal gold in situ hybridization experiments. Results indicated that 'Ca. Liberibacter solanacearum' (CLso)-specific DNA probes annealed to a bacterium that formed extensive, monocultural biofilms on gut, salivary gland, and oral region tissues, confirming that it is one morphotype of potentially others, that is rod-shaped, approximately 2.5 µm in diameter and of variable length, and has a rough, granular cytosol. In addition, CLso, prepared from shredded midguts, and negatively stained for TEM, possessed pili- and flagella-like surface appendages. Genes implicating coding capacity for both types of surface structures are encoded in the CLso genome sequence. Neither type was seen for CLso associated with biofilms within or on digestive organs, suggesting that their production is stimulated only in certain environments, putatively, in the gut during adhesion leading to multiplication, and in hemolymph to afford systemic invasion.

A Predictive Degree Day Model for the Development of Bactericera cockerelli (Hemiptera: Triozidae) Infesting Solanum tuberosum

Bactericera cockerelli (Sulc) (Hemiptera: Triozidae) is a pest of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) that vectors the bacterium that putatively causes zebra chip disease in potatoes, 'Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum.' Zebra chip disease is managed by controlling populations of B. cockerelli in commercial potato fields. Lacking an integrated pest management strategy, growers have resorted to an intensive chemical control program that may be leading to insecticide-resistant B. cockerelli populations in south Texas and Mexico. To initiate the development of an integrated approach of controlling B. cockerelli, we used constant temperature studies, nonlinear and linear modeling, and field sampling data to determine and validate the degree day parameters for development of B. cockerelli infesting potato. Degree day model predictions for three different B. cockerelli life stages were tested against data collected from pesticide-free plots. The model was most accurate at predicting egg-to-egg and nymph-to-nymph peaks, with less accuracy in predicting adult-to-adult peaks. It is impractical to predict first occurrence of B. cockerelli in potato plantings as adults are present as soon cotyledons break through the soil. Therefore, we suggest integrating the degree day model into current B. cockerelli management practices using a two-phase method. Phase 1 occurs from potato planting through to the first peak in a B. cockerelli field population, which is managed using current practices. Phase 2 begins with the first B. cockerelli population peak and the degree day model is initiated to predict the subsequent population peaks, thus providing growers a tool to proactively manage this pest.

Pharmaceuticals and personal care products alter the holobiome and development of a medically important mosquito

The increasing demand for fresh water has forced many countries to use reclaimed wastewater for agricultural purposes. This water contains pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) that remain biologically active following passage through wastewater treatment plants. Run-off from farms and contaminated water from treatment facilities exposes aquatic ecosystems to PPCPs. This study examined the effects of PPCPs on a lower trophic organism. Culex quinquefasciatus larvae were reared in water contaminated with environmentally relevant concentrations of common PPCPs. Acetaminophen alone and a mixture of contaminants were found to increase developmental time of larvae. Susceptibility to Bti increased in larvae exposed to antibiotics, acetaminophen, or a mixture of PPCPs. Antibiotics, hormones, and the mixture altered the mosquito bacterial microbiome. Overall, the results indicate that at environmentally relevant concentrations, PPCPs in reclaimed water can have biologically important effects on an ecologically and medically important lower trophic level insect.

Deep Characterization of the Microbiomes of Calophya spp. (Hemiptera: Calophyidae) Gall-Inducing Psyllids Reveals the Absence of Plant Pathogenic Bacteria and Three Dominant Endosymbionts

Bacteria associated with sap-feeding insect herbivores include not only symbionts that may increase their hosts’ fitness but also harmful plant pathogens. Calophya spp. gall-inducing psyllids (Hemiptera: Calophyidae) are being investigated for their potential as biological control agents of the noxious weed, Brazilian peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolia), in Florida. Although there are no examples of plant pathogen transmission by members of the family Calophyidae, several insects in the superfamily Psylloidea are known to transmit pathogenic bacteria in the genera Candidatus Liberibacter and Candidatus Phytoplasma. To determine whether Calophya spp. harbor potentially harmful plant pathogenic bacteria, we sequenced small subunit (SSU) ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene amplicons generated from individuals from four Calophya spp. populations. All microbial SSU gene sequences fell into the bacterial domain, with 98-99% belonging to the Proteobacteria. The Calophya microbiomes contained a relatively simple community, with 49-79 operational taxonomic units (OTUs; 97%) detected, and only 5-8 OTUs with greater than 1% abundance. Candidatus Carsonella showed the highest relative abundance, with OTUs from this candidate genus representing between 51 – 65% of all recovered sequences. The next most abundant clade observed was an unclassified Enterobacteriacae group closely related to bacteria from the genera Buchnera and Blochmannia that ranged from 20-31% in relative abundance. Wolbachia populations were the third most abundant group and represented 7-27% of the diversity in microbial OTUs. No SSU rRNA gene sequences from putative pathogenic bacteria from the genera Ca. Liberibacter or Ca. Phytoplasma were detected in the microbiomes of the four Calophya populations. The probability that infected psyllids were present in our colonies, but were not sampled, was extremley low (1.39 x 10^-10). As far as we are aware, our study is the first to characterize the microbiome of a candidate biological control agent, and coupled with previous work demonstrating a high degree of host specificity and absence of plant viruses, suggests that releasing Calophya spp. in United States poses minimal risk to non-target plants.

Relative Abundance of Carsonella ruddii (Gamma Proteobacterium) in Females and Males of Cacopsylla pyricola (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) and Bactericera cockerelli (Hemiptera: Triozidae)

Carsonella ruddii (Gamma Proteobacterium) is an obligate bacterial endosymbiont of psyllids that produces essential amino acids that are lacking in the insect's diet. Accurate estimations of Carsonella populations are important to studies of Carsonella-psyllid interactions and to developing ways to target Carsonella for control of psyllid pests including pear psylla, Cacopsylla pyricola (Förster) (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) and potato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli (Šulc) (Hemiptera: Triozidae). We used two methods, namely fluorescence in situ hybridization and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), to estimate relative abundance of Carsonella in bacteriocytes and whole bodies of psyllids, respectively. Using these two methods, we compared Carsonella populations between female and male insects. Estimations using fluorescence in situ hybridization indicated that Carsonella was more abundant in bacteriocytes of female C. pyricola than in those of males, but Carsonella abundance in bacteriocytes did not differ between sexes of B. cockerelli. Analyses by qPCR using whole-body specimens indicated Carsonella was more abundant in females than in males of both psyllids. Neither fluorescence in situ hybridization nor qPCR indicated that Carsonella populations differed in abundance among adults of different ages (0-3 wk after adult eclosion). Using fluorescence in situ hybridization, Carsonella was observed in ovarioles of newly emerged females and formed an aggregation in the posterior end of mature oocytes. Results of our study indicate that female psyllids harbor greater populations of Carsonella than do males and that sex should be controlled for in studies which require estimations of Carsonella populations.

Comparison of potato and asian citrus psyllid adult and nymph transcriptomes identified vector transcripts with potential involvement in circulative, propagative liberibacter transmission

The potato psyllid (PoP) Bactericera cockerelli (Sulc) and Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) Diaphorina citri Kuwayama are the insect vectors of the fastidious plant pathogen, Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum (CLso) and Ca. L. asiaticus (CLas), respectively. CLso causes Zebra chip disease of potato and vein-greening in solanaceous species, whereas, CLas causes citrus greening disease. The reliance on insecticides for vector management to reduce pathogen transmission has increased interest in alternative approaches, including RNA interference to abate expression of genes essential for psyllid-mediated Ca. Liberibacter transmission. To identify genes with significantly altered expression at different life stages and conditions of CLso/CLas infection, cDNA libraries were constructed for CLso-infected and -uninfected PoP adults and nymphal instars. Illumina sequencing produced 199,081,451 reads that were assembled into 82,224 unique transcripts. PoP and the analogous transcripts from ACP adult and nymphs reported elsewhere were annotated, organized into functional gene groups using the Gene Ontology classification system, and analyzed for differential in silico expression. Expression profiles revealed vector life stage differences and differential gene expression associated with Liberibacter infection of the psyllid host, including invasion, immune system modulation, nutrition, and development.

A new strain of Wolbachia in an alpine population of the viviparous Oreina cacaliae (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

Microbial symbionts played a central role in insect evolution. Oreina cacaliae (Schrank, 1785) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is a rare example of a viviparous insect, able to feed on toxic plants and sequester toxic compounds. In the current study, the microbiota associated with O. cacaliae was characterized using a culture-independent approach, targeting the 16S rRNA bacterial gene. The obtained 16S rRNA gene sequences were analyzed and identified at different taxonomic levels. Wolbachia was the dominant bacterium, both in male and female (100 and 91.9%, respectively) individuals; the detected Wolbachia was described as a new sequence type based on multilocus sequence typing (Wolbachia ST375 Ocac_A_wVdO). After phylogenetic analyses, Wolbachia ST375 Ocac_A_wVdO was attributed to the supergroup A. Immunofluorescence assays and electron microscopy confirmed the presence of Wolbachia within O. cacaliae oocytes, confirming its transovarial transmission in this species. Representatives of six species of Oreina were tested for the presence of Wolbachia through specific polymerase chain reaction, and a dendrogram was generated for these species based on coxI gene sequences. The Wolbachia harbored by different species of Oreina were characterized by multilocus sequence typing. Five out of the six examined Oreina species were positive for Wolbachia, with four of these harboring the same sequence type.

Transcriptome analysis of "Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum" in its psyllid vector, Bactericera cockerelli

"Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum" (Lso) is an emergent pathogen of carrots in Europe and solanaceous plants in North and Central America and New Zealand. This bacterium is closely related to other pathogenic Candidatus Liberibacter spp., all vectored by psyllids. In order to understand the molecular interaction of this pathogen and its psyllid vector, Bactericera cockerelli, Illumina sequencing of psyllid harboring Lso was performed to determine if this approach could be used to assess the bacterial transcriptome in this association. Prior to sequencing, psyllid RNA was purified and insect and bacterial rRNA were removed. Mapping of reads to Lso genome revealed that over 92% of the bacterial genes were expressed in the vector, and that the COG categories Translation and Post-translational modification, protein turnover, chaperone functions were the most expressed functional categories. Expression levels of selected Lso genes were confirmed by RT-qPCR. The transcriptomic analysis also helped correct Lso genome annotation by identifying the expression of genes that were not predicted in the genome sequencing effort.

A global comparison of Bactericera cockerelli (Hemiptera: Triozidae) microbial communities

The potato psyllid (Bactericera cockerelli Sulc) is an economically important insect pest of solanaceous crops such as potato, tomato, pepper, and tobacco. Historically, the potato psyllid's range included central United States, Mexico, and California; more recently, populations of this insect have been reported in Central America, the Pacific Northwest, and New Zealand. Like most phytophagous insects, potato psyllids require symbiotic bacteria to compensate for nutritional deficiencies in their diet. Potato psyllids harbor the primary symbiont, Candidatus Carsonella ruddii, and may also harbor many secondary symbionts such as Wolbachia sp., Sodalis sp., Pseudomonas sp., and others. These secondary symbionts can have an effect on reproduction, nutrition, immune response, and resistances to heat or pesticides. To identify regional differences in potato psyllid bacterial symbionts, 454 pyrosequencing was performed using generic 16S rRNA gene primers. Analysis was performed using the Qiime 1.6.0 software suite, ARB Silva, and R. Operational taxonomic units were then grouped at 97% identity. Representative sequences were classified to genus using the ARB SILVA database. Potato psyllids collected in California contained a less diverse microbial community than those collected in the central United States and Central America. The crop variety, collection year, and haplotype did not seem to affect the microbial community in potato psyllids. The primary difference between psyllids in different regions was the presence and overall bacterial community composition of Candidatus Carsonella ruddii and Wolbachia.

Microbiome diversity of Aphis glycines with extensive superinfection in native and invasive populations

Associations among insects and microbes can lead to beneficial or parasitic interactions. Using 454 sequencing of 16S RNA genes, we compared microbiome diversity and abundance among field-collected (F) and laboratory-reared (L) populations of the invasive soybean aphid (Aphis glycines), a pest of soybean. Additionally, we screened A. glycines populations from native (Japan, South Korea and China) and invasive regions (North America) to broadly determine the microbiome diversity. Our results suggested that Arsenophonus (relative abundance of 54.6%), Buchnera (38.7%) and Wolbachia (3.7%) were the major bacteria associated with A. glycines. Arsenophonus was the most abundant in F populations but was significantly reduced in L populations; additional bacteria species also had lower relative abundances in L populations. Native and invasive populations were largely similar in bacteria communities and revealed substantial superinfection of Arsenophonus and Wolbachia. The lone exception was a lack of Arsenophonus in A. glycines from Japan. Divergent selection pressures among natural and laboratory populations were inferred as factors driving the differential bacterial communities observed. Our results will allow for improved comparative aphid-symbiont research and broaden our understanding of the interactions among insects, endosymbionts and their environments.

Correlation between "Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum" infection levels and fecundity in its psyllid vector

The potato/tomato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli (Šulc) transmits the bacterium, "Candidatus (Ca.) Liberibacter solanacearum" (Lso), also known as "Ca. Liberibacter psyllaurous", which causes zebra chip disease in potato and other solanaceous crops. The authors previously showed that fecundity and nymph survival is significantly reduced in Lso-infected psyllids compared to uninfected psyllids on tomato. However, it is not known whether the level of the pathogen is correlated with concomitant reduction in fitness of the psyllid vector. Using quantitative PCR assays, Lso levels were determined in adult female founders of isofemale lines for whom several life history traits were previously recorded. Analysis of psyllid isofemale lines revealed that Lso infection levels in founders or mothers was negatively correlated with 7-day fecundity, nymph survival percentage, and number of F1 progeny including eggs, nymphs and adults. There was a significant negative density-dependent relationship between Lso level and fecundity. That is, psyllids experienced decreasing levels in fecundity with increasing bacterial titer. There was no apparent negative density-dependent relationship between Lso copies and number of nymphs, nymph survival percentage and number of adults. The negative effect of Lso on psyllid fecundity is likely due to direct effects of the bacteria on the insect host and not via the host plant. Taken together, these findings suggest that the level of Lso in its psyllid vector correlates with reduction in psyllid fitness.

Low-level detection of candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum in Bactericera cockerelli (Hemiptera: Triozidae) by 16s rRNA Pyrosequencing

Accurate detection and quantification of Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum (CLs), the putative causal agent of zebra chip disease of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.), in the potato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli (Sulc), has become necessary to better understand the biology of the disease cycle. Studies on the transmission efficiency of potato psyllids have shown inconsistencies with field surveys. There have also been reports of laboratory colonies inexplicably losing and regaining CLs infection as detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Until now, DNA primers were used to detect CLs in potato psyllid tissue using conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and gel electrophoresis or by real-time quantitative PCR. In this study, CLs was detected using bacterial tag-encoded FLX amplicon pyrosequencing (bTEFAP) at levels identifiable by PCR, and low levels, including samples with only one cell of CLs. Potato psyllids with <300 pyrosequencing reads did not show positive using conventional PCR. These results indicate that the currently accepted PCR diagnostic technique produces false negatives due to detection limits higher than what is generally present in field collected psyllids, and also provides an explanation as to why laboratory colonies seem to lose and regain CLs infection.

Molecular detection of Acinetobacter species in lice and keds of domestic animals in Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

This study was conducted to determine the presence of Acinetobacter and Rickettsia species DNA in lice and Melophagus ovinus (sheep ked) of animals from Oromia Regional State in Ethiopia. From September through November 2011, a total of 207 cattle, 85 sheep, 47 dogs and 16 cats were examined for ectoparasites. Results of morphological identification revealed several species of ectoparasites: Linognathus vituli (L. vituli), Bovicola bovis (B. bovis) and Solenopotes capillatus (S. capillatus) on cattle; B. ovis and Melophagus ovinus (M. ovinus) on sheep; and Heterodoxus spiniger (H. spiniger) on dogs. There was a significantly (p≤0.0001) higher prevalence of L. vituli observed in cattle than both S. capillatus and B. bovis. Molecular identification of lice using an 18S rRNA gene analysis confirms the identified lice species by morphological methods. We detected different Acinetobacter species among lice (11.1%) and keds (86.4%) including A. soli in L. vituli of cattle, A. lowffii in M. ovinus of sheep, A. pittii in H. spiniger of dogs, 1 new Acinetobacter spp. in M. ovinus and 2 new Acinetobacter spp. in H. spiniger of dogs using partial rpoB gene sequence analysis. There was a significantly higher prevalence of Acinetobacter spp. in keds than in lice (p≤0.00001). Higher percentage of Acinetobacter spp. DNA was detected in H. spiniger than in both B. ovis and L. vituli (p≤0.00001). Carbapenemase resistance encoding genes for blaOXA-23, blaOXA-24, blaOXA-58, blaNDM-1 and blaOXA-51 were not found in any lice and keds. These findings suggest that synanthropic animals and their ectoparasites might increase the risk of human exposure to zoonotic pathogens and could be a source for Acinetobacter spp. infections in humans. However, additional epidemiological data are required to determine whether ectoparasites of animals can act as environmental reservoirs and play a role in spreading these bacteria to both animal and human hosts.

Survey of endosymbionts in the Diaphorina citri metagenome and assembly of a Wolbachia wDi draft genome

Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Psyllidae), the Asian citrus psyllid, is the insect vector of Ca. Liberibacter asiaticus, the causal agent of citrus greening disease. Sequencing of the D. citri metagenome has been initiated to gain better understanding of the biology of this organism and the potential roles of its bacterial endosymbionts. To corroborate candidate endosymbionts previously identified by rDNA amplification, raw reads from the D. citri metagenome sequence were mapped to reference genome sequences. Results of the read mapping provided the most support for Wolbachia and an enteric bacterium most similar to Salmonella. Wolbachia-derived reads were extracted using the complete genome sequences for four Wolbachia strains. Reads were assembled into a draft genome sequence, and the annotation assessed for the presence of features potentially involved in host interaction. Genome alignment with the complete sequences reveals membership of Wolbachia wDi in supergroup B, further supported by phylogenetic analysis of FtsZ. FtsZ and Wsp phylogenies additionally indicate that the Wolbachia strain in the Florida D. citri isolate falls into a sub-clade of supergroup B, distinct from Wolbachia present in Chinese D. citri isolates, supporting the hypothesis that the D. citri introduced into Florida did not originate from China.

Transcriptome analyses of Bactericera cockerelli adults in response to "Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum" infection

The potato/tomato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli (Šulc) is an economically important crop pest that not only causes damage through its feeding but also transmits the bacterium, "Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum" (CLs), which causes zebra chip disease in potato. There is some information about the phenotypic effects of phytopathogenic bacteria on their insect vectors; however, there are no published reports of the molecular mechanisms underlying phytopathogenic bacteria-insect vector interaction. In order to investigate the effects of CLs infection on B. cockerelli, transcriptomic analyses of CLs-infected and uninfected adult psyllids that were reared on potato were performed. De novo assembly of cDNA sequences generated 136,518 and 109,983 contigs for infected and uninfected insect libraries with an average contig length of 514 bp. BlastX analysis against the NCBI-nr database revealed that 33.33 % had significant matches. Gene ontology data illustrated that the majority of the expressed psyllid genes are involved in metabolic process, biological regulation, binding and catalytic activity. The psyllid transcriptome had an abundance of genes such as vitellogenin, heat shock protein, ejaculatory bulb-specific protein, ferritin, and cytochrome oxidase. Notably absent in the psyllid transcriptome were innate immunity genes induced in response to Gram-negative bacteria (IMD pathway). Several functionally diverse contigs related to symbiotic bacteria including the primary endosymbiont Carsonella ruddii, Wolbachia, and CLs in the psyllid transcriptome were identified. A total of 247 contigs showed differential expression in response to CLs infection including immune and stress-related genes and vitellogenins. Expression analyses of selected psyllid genes were performed on psyllids that were exclusively reared on potato (host of the insects used for RNAseq) and psyllids exclusively reared on tomato (alternative host of psyllids). These genes showed similar expression patterns irrespective of the host plant on which the psyllids were reared, which suggests that host-plant association may not modulate expression of these genes. Our findings suggest that the impact of CLs on psyllid transcriptome was to a large extent on genes involved in metabolic processes and to a small extent on immune and stress response genes. This study is the first description of transcriptomic changes in an insect vector in response to infection with a naturally occurring bacterial plant pathogen. Data from this study provide new sequence and gene expression resources for functional genomics of potato psyllids.

Development of a loop-mediated isothermal amplification procedure as a sensitive and rapid method for detection of 'candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum' in potatoes and Psyllids

This study reports the development of a loop-mediated isothermal amplification procedure (LAMP) for polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based detection of 'Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum', the bacterial causal agent of potato zebra chip (ZC) disease. The 16S rDNA gene of 'Ca. Liberibacter solanacearum' was used to design a set of six primers for LAMP PCR detection of the bacterial pathogen in potato plants and the psyllid vector. The advantage of the LAMP method is that it does not require a thermocycler for amplification or agarose gel electrophoresis for resolution. Positive LAMP results can be visualized directly as a precipitate. The LAMP strategy reported here reliably detected 'Ca. Liberibacter solanacearum' and the closely related species 'Ca. Liberibacter asiaticus', the causative agent of huanglongbing disease of citrus, in plant DNA extracts. Although not as sensitive as quantitative real-time PCR, LAMP detection was equivalent to conventional PCR in tests of ZC-infected potato plants from the field. Thus, the LAMP method shows strong promise as a reliable, rapid, and cost-effective method of detecting 'Ca. Liberibacter' pathogens in psyllids and field-grown potato plants and tubers.

Molecular and physiological properties associated with zebra complex disease in potatoes and its relation with Candidatus Liberibacter contents in psyllid vectors

Zebra complex (ZC) disease on potatoes is associated with Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum (CLs), an α-proteobacterium that resides in the plant phloem and is transmitted by the potato psyllid Bactericera cockerelli (Šulc). The name ZC originates from the brown striping in fried chips of infected tubers, but the whole plants also exhibit a variety of morphological features and symptoms for which the physiological or molecular basis are not understood. We determined that compared to healthy plants, stems of ZC-plants accumulate starch and more than three-fold total protein, including gene expression regulatory factors (e.g. cyclophilin) and tuber storage proteins (e.g., patatins), indicating that ZC-affected stems are reprogrammed to exhibit tuber-like physiological properties. Furthermore, the total phenolic content in ZC potato stems was elevated two-fold, and amounts of polyphenol oxidase enzyme were also high, both serving to explain the ZC-hallmark rapid brown discoloration of air-exposed damaged tissue. Newly developed quantitative and/or conventional PCR demonstrated that the percentage of psyllids in laboratory colonies containing detectable levels of CLs and its titer could fluctuate over time with effects on colony prolificacy, but presumed reproduction-associated primary endosymbiont levels remained stable. Potato plants exposed in the laboratory to psyllid populations with relatively low-CLs content survived while exposure of plants to high-CLs psyllids rapidly culminated in a lethal collapse. In conclusion, we identified plant physiological biomarkers associated with the presence of ZC and/or CLs in the vegetative potato plant tissue and determined that the titer of CLs in the psyllid population directly affects the rate of disease development in plants.

Manipulation of plant defense responses by the tomato psyllid (Bactericerca cockerelli) and its associated endosymbiont Candidatus Liberibacter psyllaurous

Some plant pathogens form obligate relationships with their insect vector and are vertically transmitted via eggs analogous to insect endosymbionts. Whether insect endosymbionts manipulate plant defenses to benefit their insect host remains unclear. The tomato psyllid, Bactericerca cockerelli (Sulc), vectors the endosymbiont "Candidatus Liberibacter psyllaurous" (Lps) during feeding on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.). Lps titer in psyllids varied relative to the psyllid developmental stage with younger psyllids harboring smaller Lps populations compared to older psyllids. In the present study, feeding by different life stages of B. cockerelli infected with Lps, resulted in distinct tomato transcript profiles. Feeding by young psyllid nymphs, with lower Lps levels, induced tomato genes regulated by jasmonic acid (JA) and salicylic acid (SA) (Allene oxide synthase, Proteinase inhibitor 2, Phenylalanine ammonia-lyase 5, Pathogenesis-related protein 1) compared to feeding by older nymphs and adults, where higher Lps titers were found. In addition, inoculation of Lps without insect hosts suppressed accumulation of these defense transcripts. Collectively, these data suggest that the endosymbiont-like pathogen Lps manipulates plant signaling and defensive responses to benefit themselves and the success of their obligate insect vector on their host plant.

The potato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli (Sulc) (Hemiptera: Triozidae): life history, relationship to plant diseases, and management strategies

The potato/tomato psyllid,Bactericera cockerelli(Sulc) (Hemiptera: Triozidae) has been a major pest of solanaceous crops for decades. This pest can cause damage to crop plants by direct feeding and, as has been recently discovered, by transmitting the bacterial pathogenCandidatusLiberibacter psyllaurous (a.k.a.Ca.L. solanacearum). Many studies have been conducted to determine the relationship of this pest to plant injury and to develop management strategies to alleviate the damage caused by this pest in a wide variety of solanaceous plants. Studies in the past decade have documented substantial genetic variability in this invasive species, enhanced our rapidly-evolving understanding of the interactions between the insect and the pathogen it carries, and improved our appreciation of the invasive potential of the pest. This review seeks to provide a comprehensive update toB. cockerellilife history, relationship to plant diseases, and the current state of management strategies againstB. cockerelli.

Effect of 'Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum' on fitness of its insect vector, Bactericera cockerelli (Hemiptera: Triozidae), on tomato

The potato/tomato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli transmits the bacterium 'Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum', also known as 'Ca. L. psyllaurous', which causes zebra chip disease in solanaceous crops. There have been no studies addressing the effect of the bacterial plant pathogen on the biology of its insect vector. We examined several life-history traits, including 7-day fecundity, hatching percentage, incubation time, nymphal survival percentage, nymphal development time, total development time, and sex-ratio of 'Ca. L. solanacearum'-positive and -negative psyllid isofemale lines on tomato, as well as adult mortality index of 'Ca. L. solanacearum'-positive and -negative insects. The only two life-history traits that differed between the 'Ca. L. solanacearum'-positive and -negative psyllid isofemale lines were 7-day fecundity and nymphal survival percentage, which were significantly lower in 'Ca. L. solanacearum'- positive lines. The symbiotic bacteria associated with both psyllid isofemale lines were similar, with the exception of 'Ca. L. solanacearum', which showed 100% infection in the 'Ca. L. solanacearum'-positive lines and was not detected in the negative psyllid lines. These results suggest that 'Ca. L. solanacearum' has a negative effect on population growth rate of its insect vector on tomato.

Translocation of 'Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum', the Zebra Chip pathogen, in potato and tomato

Zebra Chip disease is a serious threat to potato production. The pathogen, the phloem-limited bacterium 'Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum,' is vectored by the potato and tomato psyllid Bactericerca cockerelli to potato and tomato. Patterns of pathogen translocation through phloem in potato and tomato plants were examined to determine whether rate or direction of translocation vary by host species or potato cultivars. Two insects were given a 7-day inoculation access period on a single leaf. Weekly, leaves from upper-, middle-, and lower-tier branches were tested for the presence of 'Ca. L. solanacearum' by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In tomato and potato, 'Ca. L. solanacearum' was detected 2 to 3 weeks after infestation, most frequently in upper- and middle-tier leaves. In potato, the pathogen was detected in leaves on a second, noninfested stem when the stems remained joined via the tuber. Although rates of pathogen movement were similar among potato cultivars, symptoms developed earlier in more susceptible cultivars. Quantitative PCR indicated that bacterial titers were frequently low in tomato and potato samples (<20 genome units per nanogram of DNA). Results establish that, for improved detection, samples should include newly developing leaves and consider that, under low insect pressure, the pathogen may be undetectable by PCR until 3 weeks after infestation.