Expression of putative expansin genes in phylloxera (Daktulosphaira vitifoliae Fitch) induced root galls of Vitis spp

Comparative Transcriptome Analysis of Two Root-Feeding Grape Phylloxera (D. vitifoliae) Lineages Feeding on a Rootstock and V. vinifera

Simple Summary

Grape phylloxera is an American native insect pest that caused heavy damages to the vineyards worldwide since its spreading to wine regions since the 1850s. This insect, able to feed on leaves and roots, induces plant galls and manipulates the grapevine physiology leading to plant damage and may cause plant death. The most successful treatment was the use of mostly partially resistant rootstocks. The degree of resistance is affected by environment, grapevine management and the insect biotype. In this study, we analyse the interaction of insect biotypes feeding on particular host plants. Therefore we evaluated the gene expression of Phylloxera feeding on a susceptible host versus feeding on a rootstock in two different developmental stages. We discovered (mainly in advanced insect developmental stages) genes expressed in higher proportion in one insect compared to the other. These genes related to chemosensory; in plant physiology manipulation and root deformation and insect digestive traits may play a role in the plant-insect interaction determining plant resistance in response to the pest attack.

Abstract

Grape phylloxera is one of the most dangerous insect pests for worldwide viticulture. The leaf- and root-galling phylloxerid has been managed by grafting European grapevines onto American rootstock hybrids. Recent reports pinpoint the appearance of host-adapted biotypes, but information about the biomolecular characteristics underlying grape phylloxera biotypisation and its role in host performance is scarce. Using RNA-sequencing, we sequenced the transcriptome of two larval stages: L1 (probing) and L2-3 (feeding) larvae of two root-feeding grape phylloxera lineages feeding on the rootstock Teleki 5C (biotype C) and V. vinifera Riesling (biotype A). In total, 7501 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were commonly modulated by the two biotypes. For the probing larvae, we found an increased number of DEGs functionally associated with insect chemoreception traits, such as odorant-binding proteins, chemosensory proteins, ionotropic, odorant, and gustatory receptors. The transcriptomic profile of feeding larvae was enriched with DEGs associated with the primary metabolism. Larvae feeding on the tolerant rootstock Teleki 5C exhibited higher numbers of plant defense suppression-associated DEGs than larvae feeding on the susceptible host. Based on the identified DEGs, we discuss their potential role for the compatible grape phylloxera–Vitis interaction belowground. This study was the first to compare the transcriptomes of two grape phylloxera lineages feeding on a tolerant and susceptible host, respectively, and to identify DEGs involved in the molecular interaction with these hosts. Our data provide a source for future studies on host adaptation mechanisms of grape phylloxera and help to elucidate grape phylloxera resistance further.

The salivary gland proteome of root-galling grape phylloxera (Daktulosphaira vitifoliae Fitch) feeding on Vitis spp

The successful parasitisation of a plant by a phytophagous insect is dependent on the delivery of effector molecules into the host. Sedentary gall forming insects, such as grape phylloxera (Daktulosphaira vitifoliae Fitch, Phylloxeridae), secrete multiple effectors into host plant tissues that alter or modulate the cellular and molecular environment to the benefit of the insect. The identification and characterisation of effector proteins will provide insight into the host-phylloxera interaction specifically the gall-induction processes and potential mechanisms of plant resistance. Using proteomic mass spectrometry and in-silico secretory prediction, 420 putative effectors were determined from the salivary glands or the root-feeding D. vitifoliae larvae reared on Teleki 5C (V. berlandieri x V. riparia). Among them, 170 conserved effectors were shared between D. vitifoliae and fourteen phytophagous insect species. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis of five conserved effector candidates (protein disulfide-isomerase, peroxidoredoxin, peroxidase and a carboxypeptidase) revealed that their gene expression decreased, when larvae were starved for 24 h, supporting their assignment as effector molecules. The D. vitifoliae effectors identified here represent a functionally diverse group, comprising both conserved and unique proteins that provide new insight into the D. vitifoliae-Vitis spp. interaction and the potential mechanisms by which D. vitifoliae establishes the feeding site, suppresses plant defences and modulates nutrient uptake.

Molecular tagging of biocontrol fungus Trichoderma asperellum and its colonization in soil

AIMS

To conduct molecular tagging of the biocontrol fungus Trichoderma asperellum strain T₄ and elucidate its colonization patterns in soil.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We constructed an expression vector harbouring a hygromycin B-resistant gene (hph) and an efficient green fluorescent protein (egfp) gene. By applying Agrobacterium AGL-1-mediated genetic transformation technology, we conducted molecular tagging of T. asperellum and monitored the colonization dynamics of T. asperellum in soil. The results of tracking five independent transformants of T. asperellum indicated that its expansion rates ranged from 4·7 to 6·8 cm week^-1 . After inoculation in soil, the quantities of T. asperellum could be maintained at over 10 × 10⁴  CFU per gram soil in the first year. In the third year after inoculation, the quantities of T. asperellum in soil were still higher than 1 × 10³  CFU per gram soil. In addition, molecularly tagged T. asperellum in soil in the second year (i.e. 12 months) after inoculation could still reach the biocontrol effect on cucumber Rhizoctonia rot by more than 74%.

CONCLUSION

Trichoderma asperellum strain T₄ is capable of effectively colonizing in soil and surviving for more than 1 year.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This study has provided the scientific basis for applying T. asperellum as the biocontrol fungus for prevention and control of plant diseases.

Polyphenolic profiling of roots (Vitis spp.) under grape phylloxera (D. vitifoliae Fitch) attack

Many plants respond to herbivore attacks by the formation of secondary metabolites, such as polyphenols. Grape phylloxera (Daktulosphaira vitifoliaeFitch) induces organoid root galls on fibrous root tips of tolerant Vitis spp. rootstocks. We aim to understand if and how secondary metabolites are involved in the compatible interaction of D. vitifoliae and tolerant Vitis ssp. rootstocks belowground. We hypothise that D. vitifoliae infestation triggers the accumulation of phenolic key compounds in root gall tissue without preventing the compatible host-parasite interaction on two tolerant rootstocks with different genetic background: Teleki 5C (V. berlandieri x V. riparia) and Fercal (B.C. n°1B x 31 Richter). Plants and insects are grown in isolated climate chambers to sample root tips of non-infested plants (control) as well as root tips and galls of D. vitifoliae infested plants (5-14 dai). HPLC-MS-based analyses of phenolic key compounds are compared with gene expression levels of the biosynthetic phenylpropanoid pathway analysing temporal sequences of D. vitifoliae infested root tissue. The results show that the induction of the phenylpropanoid pathway by D. vitifoliae infestation plays an important role in the plant response. Concentrations of phenolic key compounds vary significantly among the rootstocks tested. Both rootstocks display an accumulation of flavan-3-ols and stilbenes in infested root gall tissue. Comparing the host responses of the two rootstocks Fercal shows a stronger accumulation of stilbenes locally in infested root galls, whereas Teleki 5C indicates elevated amounts of stilbenes in non-infested root tip tissue.

Plant expansins: diversity and interactions with plant cell walls

Expansins were discovered two decades ago as cell wall proteins that mediate acid-induced growth by catalyzing loosening of plant cell walls without lysis of wall polymers. In the interim our understanding of expansins has gotten more complex through bioinformatic analysis of expansin distribution and evolution, as well as through expression analysis, dissection of the upstream transcription factors regulating expression, and identification of additional classes of expansin by sequence and structural similarities. Molecular analyses of expansins from bacteria have identified residues essential for wall loosening activity and clarified the bifunctional nature of expansin binding to complex cell walls. Transgenic modulation of expansin expression modifies growth and stress physiology of plants, but not always in predictable or even understandable ways.

Phylloxera (Daktulosphaira vitifoliae Fitch) alters the carbohydrate metabolism in root galls to allowing the compatible interaction with grapevine (Vitis ssp.) roots

Gall forming phylloxera may compete for nutrients with meristematic tissues and develop heterotrophic structures that act as carbon sinks. In this work, we studied the underlying starch metabolism, sink-source translocation of soluble sugars towards and within root galls. We demonstrated that nodosities store carbohydrates by starch accumulation and monitored the expression of genes involved in the starch metabolic. Thereby we proved that the nodosity is symplastically connected to the source tissues through its development and that the starch metabolism is significantly affected to synthesize and degrade starch within the gall. Genes required for starch biosynthesis and degradation are up-regulated. Among the carbohydrate transporters the expression of a glucose-6-phosphate translocater, one sucrose transporter and two SWEET proteins were increases, whereas hexose transporters, tonoplast monosaccharide transporter and Erd6-like sugar transporters were decreased. We found general evidence for plant response to osmotic stress in the nodosity as previously suggested for gall induction processes. We conclude that nodosities are heterogenous plant organs that accumulate starch to serve as temporary storage structure that is gradually withdrawn by phylloxera. Phylloxera transcriptionally reprograms gall tissues beyond primary metabolism and included downstream secondary processes, including response to osmotic stress.