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Tatulli G, Baldassarre F, Schiavi D, Tacconi S, Cognigni F, Costantini F, Balestra GM, Dini L, Pucci N, Rossi M, Scala V, Ciccarella G, Loreti S. Chitosan-Coated Fosetyl-Al Nanocrystals' Efficacy on Nicotiana tabacum Colonized by Xylella fastidiosa. PHYTOPATHOLOGY 2024; 114:1466-1479. [PMID: 38700944 DOI: 10.1094/phyto-04-24-0144-r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Xylella fastidiosa (Xf) is a quarantine plant pathogen capable of colonizing the xylem of a wide range of hosts. Currently, there is no cure able to eliminate the pathogen from a diseased plant, but several integrated strategies have been implemented for containing the spread of Xf. Nanotechnology represents an innovative strategy based on the possibility of maximizing the potential antibacterial activity by increasing the surface-to-volume ratio of nanoscale formulations. Nanoparticles based on chitosan and/or fosetyl-Al have shown different in vitro antibacterial efficacy against Xf subsp. fastidiosa (Xff) and pauca (Xfp). This work demonstrated the uptake of chitosan-coated fosetyl-Al nanocrystals (CH-nanoFos) by roots and their localization in the stems and leaves of Olea europaea plants. Additionally, the antibacterial activity of fosetyl-Al, nano-fosetyl, nano-chitosan, and CH-nanoFos was tested on Nicotiana tabacum cultivar SR1 (Petite Havana) inoculated with Xff, Xfp, or Xf subsp. multiplex (Xfm). The bacterial load was evaluated with qPCR, and the results showed that CH-nanoFos was the only treatment able to reduce the colonization of Xff, Xfm, and Xfp in tobacco plants. Additionally, the area under the disease progress curve, used to assess symptom development in tobacco plants inoculated with Xff, Xfm, and Xfp and treated with CH-nanoFos, showed a reduction in symptom development. Furthermore, the twitching assay and bacterial growth under microfluidic conditions confirmed the antibacterial activity of CH-nanoFos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Tatulli
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Centre for Plant Protection and Certification of Rome, 00156 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Baldassarre
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, UdR INSTM of Lecce University of Salento, Via Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy
- Institute of Nanotechnology, CNR NANOTEC, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Daniele Schiavi
- Department of Agriculture and Forest Sciences (DAFNE), University of Tuscia, Via S. Camillo de Lellis, Snc, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
| | - Stefano Tacconi
- CarMeN Laboratory, INSERM 1060-INRAE 1397, Department of Human Nutrition, Lyon Sud Hospital, University of Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Flavio Cognigni
- Department of Basic and Applied Sciences for Engineering (SBAI), Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Costantini
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Centre for Plant Protection and Certification of Rome, 00156 Rome, Italy
- Department of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, p.le A. Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgio Mariano Balestra
- Department of Agriculture and Forest Sciences (DAFNE), University of Tuscia, Via S. Camillo de Lellis, Snc, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
- Phytoparasites Diagnostics (PhyDia) s.r.l. Via S. Camillo Delellis Snc 01100 Viterbo, Italy
| | - Luciana Dini
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "C. Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Pucci
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Centre for Plant Protection and Certification of Rome, 00156 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Rossi
- Department of Basic and Applied Sciences for Engineering (SBAI), Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Research Center on Nanotechnology Applied to Engineering of Sapienza (CNIS), Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Scala
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Centre for Plant Protection and Certification of Rome, 00156 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Ciccarella
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, UdR INSTM of Lecce University of Salento, Via Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy
- Institute of Nanotechnology, CNR NANOTEC, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Stefania Loreti
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Centre for Plant Protection and Certification of Rome, 00156 Rome, Italy
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Serio F, Imbriani G, Girelli CR, Miglietta PP, Scortichini M, Fanizzi FP. A Decade after the Outbreak of Xylella fastidiosa subsp. pauca in Apulia (Southern Italy): Methodical Literature Analysis of Research Strategies. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:1433. [PMID: 38891241 PMCID: PMC11175074 DOI: 10.3390/plants13111433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
In 2013, an outbreak of Xylella fastidiosa (Xf) was identified for the first time in Europe, in the extreme south of Italy (Apulia, Salento territory). The locally identified subspecies pauca turned out to be lethal for olive trees, starting an unprecedented phytosanitary emergency for one of the most iconic cultivations of the Mediterranean area. Xf pauca (Xfp) is responsible for a severe disease, the olive quick decline syndrome (OQDS), spreading epidemically and with dramatic impact on the agriculture, the landscape, the tourism and the cultural heritage of this region. The bacterium, transmitted by insects that feed on xylem sap, causes rapid wilting in olive trees due to biofilm formation, which obstructs the plant xylematic vessels. The aim of this review is to perform a thorough analysis that offers a general overview of the published work, from 2013 to December 2023, related to the Xfp outbreak in Apulia. This latter hereto has killed millions of olive trees and left a ghostly landscape with more than 8000 square kilometers of infected territory, that is 40% of the region. The majority of the research efforts made to date to combat Xfp in olive plants are listed in the present review, starting with the early attempts to identify the bacterium, the investigations to pinpoint and possibly control the vector, the assessment of specific diagnostic techniques and the pioneered therapeutic approaches. Interestingly, according to the general set criteria for the preliminary examination of the accessible scientific literature related to the Xfp outbreak on Apulian olive trees, fewer than 300 papers can be found over the last decade. Most of them essentially emphasize the importance of developing diagnostic tools that can identify the disease early, even when infected plants are still asymptomatic, in order to reduce the risk of infection for the surrounding plants. On the other hand, in the published work, the diagnostic focus (57%) overwhelmingly encompasses all other possible investigation goals such as vectors, impacts and possible treatments. Notably, between 2013 and 2023, only 6.3% of the literature reports addressing the topic of Xfp in Apulia were concerned with the application of specific treatments against the bacterium. Among them, those reporting field trials on infected plants, including simple pruning indications, were further limited (6%).
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Serio
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technology, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (F.S.); (G.I.); (C.R.G.); (P.P.M.)
| | - Giovanni Imbriani
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technology, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (F.S.); (G.I.); (C.R.G.); (P.P.M.)
| | - Chiara Roberta Girelli
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technology, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (F.S.); (G.I.); (C.R.G.); (P.P.M.)
| | - Pier Paolo Miglietta
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technology, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (F.S.); (G.I.); (C.R.G.); (P.P.M.)
| | - Marco Scortichini
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA)-Research Centre for Olive, Fruit and Citrus Crops, Via di Fioranello, 52, 00134 Roma, Italy;
| | - Francesco Paolo Fanizzi
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technology, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (F.S.); (G.I.); (C.R.G.); (P.P.M.)
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De La Fuente L, Navas-Cortés JA, Landa BB. Ten Challenges to Understanding and Managing the Insect-Transmitted, Xylem-Limited Bacterial Pathogen Xylella fastidiosa. PHYTOPATHOLOGY 2024; 114:869-884. [PMID: 38557216 DOI: 10.1094/phyto-12-23-0476-kc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
An unprecedented plant health emergency in olives has been registered over the last decade in Italy, arguably more severe than what occurred repeatedly in grapes in the United States in the last 140 years. These emergencies are epidemics caused by a stealthy pathogen, the xylem-limited, insect-transmitted bacterium Xylella fastidiosa. Although these epidemics spurred research that answered many questions about the biology and management of this pathogen, many gaps in knowledge remain. For this review, we set out to represent both the U.S. and European perspectives on the most pressing challenges that need to be addressed. These are presented in 10 sections that we hope will stimulate discussion and interdisciplinary research. We reviewed intrinsic problems that arise from the fastidious growth of X. fastidiosa, the lack of specificity for insect transmission, and the economic and social importance of perennial mature woody plant hosts. Epidemiological models and predictions of pathogen establishment and disease expansion, vital for preparedness, are based on very limited data. Most of the current knowledge has been gathered from a few pathosystems, whereas several hundred remain to be studied, probably including those that will become the center of the next epidemic. Unfortunately, aspects of a particular pathosystem are not always transferable to others. We recommend diversification of research topics of both fundamental and applied nature addressing multiple pathosystems. Increasing preparedness through knowledge acquisition is the best strategy to anticipate and manage diseases caused by this pathogen, described as "the most dangerous plant bacterium known worldwide."
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo De La Fuente
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, U.S.A
| | - Juan A Navas-Cortés
- Department of Crop Protection. Institute for Sustainable Agriculture (IAS), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Córdoba, Spain
| | - Blanca B Landa
- Department of Crop Protection. Institute for Sustainable Agriculture (IAS), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Córdoba, Spain
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Surano A, del Grosso C, Musio B, Todisco S, Giampetruzzi A, Altamura G, Saponari M, Gallo V, Mastrorilli P, Boscia D, Saldarelli P. Exploring the xylem-sap to unravel biological features of Xylella fastidiosa subspecies pauca ST53 in immune, resistant and susceptible crop species through metabolomics and in vitro studies. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2024; 14:1343876. [PMID: 38312355 PMCID: PMC10834688 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1343876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
Xylella fastidiosa subsp. pauca ST53 (Xfp) is a pathogenic bacterium causing one of the most severe plant diseases currently threatening the olive-growing areas of the Mediterranean, the Olive Quick Decline Syndrome (OQDS). The majority of the olive cultivars upon infections more or less rapidly develop severe desiccation phenomena, while few are resistant (e.g. Leccino and FS17), being less impacted by the infections. The present study contributes to elucidating the basis of the resistance phenomenon by investigating the influence of the composition of the xylem sap of plant species on the rate of bacterial multiplication. Xylem saps from Xfp host and non-host species were used for growing the bacterium in vitro, monitoring bacterial growth, biofilm formation, and the expression of specific genes. Moreover, species-specific metabolites, such as mannitol, quinic acid, tartaric acid, and choline were identified by non-targeted NMR-based metabolomic analysis in olive, grapevine, and citrus. In general, the xylem saps of immune species, including grapevine and citrus, were richer in amino acids, organic acids, and glucose. The results showed greater bacterial growth in the olive cultivar notoriously susceptible to Xfp (Cellina di Nardò), compared to that recorded in the resistant cultivar Leccino. Conversely, higher biofilm formation occurred in Leccino compared to Cellina di Nardò. Using the xylem saps of two Xfp-immune species (citrus and grapevine), a divergent bacterial behavior was recorded: low planktonic growth and biofilm production were detected in citrus compared to the grapevine. A parallel evaluation of the expression of 15 genes showed that Xfp directs its molecular functions mainly to virulence. Overall, the results gained through this multidisciplinary study contribute to extending the knowledge on the host-pathogen interaction, while confirming that the host response and resistance mechanism have a multifactorial basis, most likely with a cumulative effect on the phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antony Surano
- Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection, National Research Council (CNR), Bari, Italy
| | - Carmine del Grosso
- Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection, National Research Council (CNR), Bari, Italy
| | - Biagia Musio
- Department of Civil, Environmental, Land, Building Engineering and Chemistry (DICATECh), Polytechnic University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Stefano Todisco
- Department of Civil, Environmental, Land, Building Engineering and Chemistry (DICATECh), Polytechnic University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Annalisa Giampetruzzi
- Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection, National Research Council (CNR), Bari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Altamura
- CRSFA-Centro Ricerca, Sperimentazione e Formazione in Agricoltura Basile Caramia, Locorotondo, Italy
| | - Maria Saponari
- Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection, National Research Council (CNR), Bari, Italy
| | - Vito Gallo
- Department of Civil, Environmental, Land, Building Engineering and Chemistry (DICATECh), Polytechnic University of Bari, Bari, Italy
- Innovative Solutions S.r.l.—Spin-Off Company of Polytechnic University of Bari, Noci, Italy
| | - Piero Mastrorilli
- Department of Civil, Environmental, Land, Building Engineering and Chemistry (DICATECh), Polytechnic University of Bari, Bari, Italy
- Innovative Solutions S.r.l.—Spin-Off Company of Polytechnic University of Bari, Noci, Italy
| | - Donato Boscia
- Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection, National Research Council (CNR), Bari, Italy
| | - Pasquale Saldarelli
- Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection, National Research Council (CNR), Bari, Italy
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Román-Écija M, Navas-Cortés JA, Velasco-Amo MP, Arias-Giraldo LF, Gómez LM, Fuente LDL, Landa BB. Two Xylella fastidiosa subsp. multiplex Strains Isolated from Almond in Spain Differ in Plasmid Content and Virulence Traits. PHYTOPATHOLOGY 2023; 113:960-974. [PMID: 36576402 DOI: 10.1094/phyto-06-22-0234-r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The plant-pathogenic bacterium Xylella fastidiosa is a major threat to agriculture and the environment worldwide. Recent devastating outbreaks in Europe highlight the potential of this pathogen to cause emergent diseases. X. fastidiosa subsp. multiplex ESVL and IVIA5901 strains that belong to sequence type 6 were isolated from almond orchards within the outbreak area in Alicante province (Spain). Both strains share more than 99% of the chromosomal sequences (average nucleotide identity), but the ESVL strain harbors two plasmids (pXF64-Hb_ESVL and pUCLA-ESVL). Here, virulence phenotypes and genome content were compared between both strains, using three strains from the United States as a reference for the phenotypic analyses. Experiments in microfluidic chambers, used as a simulation of xylem vessels, showed that twitching motility was absent in the IVIA5901 strain, whereas the ESVL strain had reduced twitching motility. In general, both Spanish strains had less biofilm formation, less cell aggregation, and lower virulence in tobacco compared with U.S. reference strains. Genome analysis of the two plasmids from ESVL revealed 51 unique coding sequences that were absent in the chromosome of IVIA5901. Comparison of the chromosomes of both strains showed some unique coding sequences and single-nucleotide polymorphisms in each strain, with potential deleterious mutations. Genomic differences found in genes previously associated with adhesion and motility might explain the differences in the phenotypic traits studied. Although additional studies are necessary to infer the potential role of X. fastidiosa plasmids, our results indicate that the presence of plasmids should be considered in the study of the mechanisms of pathogenicity and adaptation in X. fastidiosa to new environments. [Formula: see text] Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Román-Écija
- Department of Crop Protection, Institute for Sustainable Agriculture, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Córdoba, Spain
| | - J A Navas-Cortés
- Department of Crop Protection, Institute for Sustainable Agriculture, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Córdoba, Spain
| | - M P Velasco-Amo
- Department of Crop Protection, Institute for Sustainable Agriculture, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Córdoba, Spain
| | - L F Arias-Giraldo
- Department of Crop Protection, Institute for Sustainable Agriculture, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Córdoba, Spain
| | - L M Gómez
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, U.S.A
| | - L De La Fuente
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, U.S.A
| | - B B Landa
- Department of Crop Protection, Institute for Sustainable Agriculture, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Córdoba, Spain
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Merfa MV, Zhu X, Shantharaj D, Gomez LM, Naranjo E, Potnis N, Cobine PA, De La Fuente L. Complete functional analysis of type IV pilus components of a reemergent plant pathogen reveals neofunctionalization of paralog genes. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011154. [PMID: 36780566 PMCID: PMC9956873 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Type IV pilus (TFP) is a multifunctional bacterial structure involved in twitching motility, adhesion, biofilm formation, as well as natural competence. Here, by site-directed mutagenesis and functional analysis, we determined the phenotype conferred by each of the 38 genes known to be required for TFP biosynthesis and regulation in the reemergent plant pathogenic fastidious prokaryote Xylella fastidiosa. This pathogen infects > 650 plant species and causes devastating diseases worldwide in olives, grapes, blueberries, and almonds, among others. This xylem-limited, insect-transmitted pathogen lives constantly under flow conditions and therefore is highly dependent on TFP for host colonization. In addition, TFP-mediated natural transformation is a process that impacts genomic diversity and environmental fitness. Phenotypic characterization of the mutants showed that ten genes were essential for both movement and natural competence. Interestingly, seven sets of paralogs exist, and mutations showed opposing phenotypes, indicating evolutionary neofunctionalization of subunits within TFP. The minor pilin FimT3 was the only protein exclusively required for natural competence. By combining approaches of molecular microbiology, structural biology, and biochemistry, we determined that the minor pilin FimT3 (but not the other two FimT paralogs) is the DNA receptor in TFP of X. fastidiosa and constitutes an example of neofunctionalization. FimT3 is conserved among X. fastidiosa strains and binds DNA non-specifically via an electropositive surface identified by homolog modeling. This protein surface includes two arginine residues that were exchanged with alanine and shown to be involved in DNA binding. Among plant pathogens, fimT3 was found in ~ 10% of the available genomes of the plant associated Xanthomonadaceae family, which are yet to be assessed for natural competence (besides X. fastidiosa). Overall, we highlight here the complex regulation of TFP in X. fastidiosa, providing a blueprint to understand TFP in other bacteria living under flow conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus V. Merfa
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Xinyu Zhu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Deepak Shantharaj
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Laura M. Gomez
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Eber Naranjo
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Neha Potnis
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Paul A. Cobine
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Leonardo De La Fuente
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Natural Recombination among Type I Restriction-Modification Systems Creates Diverse Genomic Methylation Patterns among Xylella fastidiosa Strains. Appl Environ Microbiol 2023; 89:e0187322. [PMID: 36598481 PMCID: PMC9888226 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01873-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Xylella fastidiosa is an important bacterial plant pathogen causing high-consequence diseases in agricultural crops around the world. Although as a species X. fastidiosa can infect many host plants, there is significant variability between strains regarding virulence on specific host plant species and other traits. Natural competence and horizontal gene transfer are believed to occur frequently in X. fastidiosa and likely influence the evolution of this pathogen. However, some X. fastidiosa strains are difficult to manipulate genetically using standard transformation techniques. Several type I restriction-modification (R-M) systems are encoded in the X. fastidiosa genome, which may influence horizontal gene transfer and recombination. Type I R-M systems themselves may undergo recombination, exchanging target recognition domains (TRDs) between specificity subunits (hsdS) to generate novel alleles with new target specificities. In this study, several conserved type I R-M systems were compared across 129 X. fastidiosa genome assemblies representing all known subspecies and 32 sequence types. Forty-four unique TRDs were identified among 50 hsdS alleles, which are arrayed in 31 allele profiles that are generally conserved within a monophyletic cluster of strains. Inactivating mutations were identified in type I R-M systems of specific strains, showing heterogeneity in the complements of functional type I R-M systems across X. fastidiosa. Genomic DNA methylation patterns were characterized in 20 X. fastidiosa strains and associated with type I R-M system allele profiles. Overall, these data suggest hsdS genes recombine among Xylella strains and/or unknown donors, and the resulting TRD reassortment establishes differential epigenetic modifications across Xylella lineages. IMPORTANCE Economic impacts on agricultural production due to X. fastidiosa have been severe in the Americas, Europe, and parts of Asia. Despite a long history of research on this pathogen, certain fundamental questions regarding the biology, pathogenicity, and evolution of X. fastidiosa have still not been answered. Wide-scale whole-genome sequencing has begun to provide more insight into X. fastidiosa genetic diversity and horizontal gene transfer, but the mechanics of genomic recombination in natural settings and the extent to which this directly influences bacterial phenotypes such as plant host range are not well understood. Genome methylation is an important factor in horizontal gene transfer and bacterial recombination that has not been comprehensively studied in X. fastidiosa. This study characterizes methylation associated with type I restriction-modification systems across a wide range of X. fastidiosa strains and lays the groundwork for a better understanding of X. fastidiosa biology and evolution through epigenetics.
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Costa J, Pothier JF, Boch J, Stefani E, Koebnik R. Integrating Science on Xanthomonas and Xylella for Integrated Plant Disease Management. Microorganisms 2022; 11:microorganisms11010006. [PMID: 36677298 PMCID: PMC9861534 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11010006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Present, emerging or re-emerging plant diseases due to infection by bacteria of the Lysobacteraceae (syn: Xanthomonadaceae) family are continually challenging food security and cause significant losses to the economies of European countries each year [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Costa
- University of Coimbra, Centre for Functional Ecology, Department of Life Sciences, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
- Laboratory for Phytopathology, Instituto Pedro Nunes, 3030-199 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Joël F. Pothier
- Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology Research Group, Institute of Natural Resource Sciences, Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW), 8820 Wädenswil, Switzerland
| | - Jens Boch
- Institute of Plant Genetics, Leibniz Universität Hannover, 30419 Hannover, Germany
| | - Emilio Stefani
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 42122 Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Ralf Koebnik
- Plant Health Institute of Montpellier, University of Montpellier, CIRAD, INRAE, Institut Agro, IRD, 34394 Montpellier, France
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-467-416228
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Exploring Active Peptides with Antimicrobial Activity In Planta against Xylella fastidiosa. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11111685. [DOI: 10.3390/biology11111685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Xylella fastidiosa (Xf) is a xylem-limited quarantine plant bacterium and one of the most harmful agricultural pathogens across the world. Despite significant research efforts, neither a direct treatment nor an efficient strategy has yet been developed for combatting Xylella-associated diseases. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have been gaining interest as a promising sustainable tool to control pathogens due to their unique mechanism of action, broad spectrum of activity, and low environmental impact. In this study, we disclose the bioactivity of nine AMPs reported in the literature to be efficient against human and plant pathogen bacteria, i.e., Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, against Xf, through in vitro and in vivo experiments. Based on viable-quantitative PCR (v-qPCR), fluorescence microscopy (FM), optical density (OD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) assays, peptides Ascaphin-8 (GF19), DASamP1 (FF13), and DASamP2 (IL14) demonstrated the highest bactericidal and antibiofilm activities and were more efficient than the peptide PB178 (KL29), reported as one of the most potent AMPs against Xf at present. Furthermore, these AMPs showed low to no toxicity when tested on eukaryotic cells. In in planta tests, no Xf disease symptoms were noticed in Nicotiana tabacum plants treated with the AMPs 40 days post inoculation. This study highlighted the high antagonistic activity of newly tested AMP candidates against Xf, which could lead to the development of promising eco-friendly management of Xf-related diseases.
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Comparative Genomics of Xylella fastidiosa Explores Candidate Host-Specificity Determinants and Expands the Known Repertoire of Mobile Genetic Elements and Immunity Systems. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10050914. [PMID: 35630358 PMCID: PMC9148166 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10050914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Xylella fastidiosa causes diseases in many plant species. Originally confined to the Americas, infecting mainly grapevine, citrus, and coffee, X. fastidiosa has spread to several plant species in Europe causing devastating diseases. Many pathogenicity and virulence factors have been identified, which enable the various X. fastidiosa strains to successfully colonize the xylem tissue and cause disease in specific plant hosts, but the mechanisms by which this happens have not been fully elucidated. Here we present thorough comparative analyses of 94 whole-genome sequences of X. fastidiosa strains from diverse plant hosts and geographic regions. Core-genome phylogeny revealed clades with members sharing mostly a geographic region rather than a host plant of origin. Phylogenetic trees for 1605 orthologous CDSs were explored for potential candidates related to host specificity using a score of mapping metrics. However, no candidate host-specificity determinants were strongly supported using this approach. We also show that X. fastidiosa accessory genome is represented by an abundant and heterogeneous mobilome, including a diversity of prophage regions. Our findings provide a better understanding of the diversity of phylogenetically close genomes and expand the knowledge of X. fastidiosa mobile genetic elements and immunity systems.
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Sicard A, Saponari M, Vanhove M, Castillo AI, Giampetruzzi A, Loconsole G, Saldarelli P, Boscia D, Neema C, Almeida RPP. Introduction and adaptation of an emerging pathogen to olive trees in Italy. Microb Genom 2021; 7. [PMID: 34904938 PMCID: PMC8767334 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.000735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The invasive plant pathogen Xylella fastidiosa currently threatens European flora through the loss of economically and culturally important host plants. This emerging vector-borne bacterium, native to the Americas, causes several important diseases in a wide range of plants including crops, ornamentals, and trees. Previously absent from Europe, and considered a quarantine pathogen, X. fastidiosa was first detected in Apulia, Italy in 2013 associated with a devastating disease of olive trees (Olive Quick Decline Syndrome, OQDS). OQDS has led to significant economic, environmental, cultural, as well as political crises. Although the biology of X. fastidiosa diseases have been studied for over a century, there is still no information on the determinants of specificity between bacterial genotypes and host plant species, which is particularly relevant today as X. fastidiosa is expanding in the naive European landscape. We analysed the genomes of 79 X. fastidiosa samples from diseased olive trees across the affected area in Italy as well as genomes of the most genetically closely related strains from Central America. We provided insights into the ecological and evolutionary emergence of this pathogen in Italy. We first showed that the outbreak in Apulia is due to a single introduction from Central America that we estimated to have occurred in 2008 [95 % HPD: 1930–2016]. By using a combination of population genomic approaches and evolutionary genomics methods, we further identified a short list of genes that could play a major role in the adaptation of X. fastidiosa to this new environment. We finally provided experimental evidence for the adaptation of the strain to this new environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Sicard
- UC Berkeley, Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, Berkeley, CA 94720, U.S.A.,PHIM Plant Health Institute, Univ Montpellier, INRAE, Institut Agro, CIRAD, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Maria Saponari
- National Research Council (CNR), Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection, Via Amendola 122/D, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Mathieu Vanhove
- UC Berkeley, Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, Berkeley, CA 94720, U.S.A
| | - Andreina I Castillo
- UC Berkeley, Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, Berkeley, CA 94720, U.S.A
| | - Annalisa Giampetruzzi
- University of Bari Aldo Moro, Department of Soil, Plant and Food Sciences, Piazza Umberto I, 70121 Bari, Italy
| | - Giuliana Loconsole
- National Research Council (CNR), Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection, Via Amendola 122/D, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Pasquale Saldarelli
- National Research Council (CNR), Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection, Via Amendola 122/D, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Donato Boscia
- National Research Council (CNR), Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection, Via Amendola 122/D, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Claire Neema
- PHIM Plant Health Institute, Univ Montpellier, INRAE, Institut Agro, CIRAD, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Rodrigo P P Almeida
- UC Berkeley, Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, Berkeley, CA 94720, U.S.A
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Moll L, Badosa E, Planas M, Feliu L, Montesinos E, Bonaterra A. Antimicrobial Peptides With Antibiofilm Activity Against Xylella fastidiosa. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:753874. [PMID: 34819923 PMCID: PMC8606745 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.753874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Xylella fastidiosa is a plant pathogen that was recently introduced in Europe and is causing havoc to its agriculture. This Gram-negative bacterium invades the host xylem, multiplies, and forms biofilm occluding the vessels and killing its host. In spite of the great research effort, there is no method that effectively prevents or cures hosts from infections. The main control strategies up to now are eradication, vector control, and pathogen-free plant material. Antimicrobial peptides have arisen as promising candidates to combat this bacterium due to their broad spectrum of activity and low environmental impact. In this work, peptides previously reported in the literature and newly designed analogs were studied for its bactericidal and antibiofilm activity against X. fastidiosa. Also, their hemolytic activity and effect on tobacco leaves when infiltrated were determined. To assess the activity of peptides, the strain IVIA 5387.2 with moderate growth, able to produce biofilm and susceptible to antimicrobial peptides, was selected among six representative strains found in the Mediterranean area (DD1, CFBP 8173, Temecula, IVIA 5387.2, IVIA 5770, and IVIA 5901.2). Two interesting groups of peptides were identified with bactericidal and/or antibiofilm activity and low-moderate toxicity. The peptides 1036 and RIJK2 with dual (bactericidal-antibiofilm) activity against the pathogen and moderate toxicity stand out as the best candidates to control X. fastidiosa diseases. Nevertheless, peptides with only antibiofilm activity and low toxicity are also promising agents as they could prevent the occlusion of xylem vessels caused by the pathogen. The present work contributes to provide novel compounds with antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity that could lead to the development of new treatments against diseases caused by X. fastidiosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luís Moll
- Laboratory of Plant Pathology, Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology-CIDSAV-XaRTA, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Esther Badosa
- Laboratory of Plant Pathology, Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology-CIDSAV-XaRTA, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Marta Planas
- LIPPSO, Department of Chemistry, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Lidia Feliu
- LIPPSO, Department of Chemistry, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Emilio Montesinos
- Laboratory of Plant Pathology, Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology-CIDSAV-XaRTA, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Anna Bonaterra
- Laboratory of Plant Pathology, Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology-CIDSAV-XaRTA, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
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13
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Xylella fastidiosa in Olive: A Review of Control Attempts and Current Management. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9081771. [PMID: 34442850 PMCID: PMC8397937 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9081771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Since 2013, Xylella fastidiosa Wells et al. has been reported to infect several hosts and to be present in different areas of Europe. The main damage has been inflicted on the olive orchards of southern Apulia (Italy), where a severe disease associated with X. fastidiosa subspecies pauca strain De Donno has led to the death of millions of trees. This dramatic and continuously evolving situation has led to European and national (Italian and Spanish) measures being implemented to reduce the spread of the pathogen and the associated olive quick decline syndrome (OQDS). Research has been also carried out to find solutions to better and directly fight the bacterium and its main insect vector, Philaenus spumarius L. In the course of this frantic effort, several treatments based on chemical or biological substances have been tested, in addition to plant breeding techniques and integrated pest management approaches. This review aims to summarize the attempts made so far and describe the prospects for better management of this serious threat, which poses alarming questions for the future of olive cultivation in the Mediterranean basin and beyond.
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Tatulli G, Modesti V, Pucci N, Scala V, L’Aurora A, Lucchesi S, Salustri M, Scortichini M, Loreti S. Further In Vitro Assessment and Mid-Term Evaluation of Control Strategy of Xylella fastidiosa subsp. pauca in Olive Groves of Salento (Apulia, Italy). Pathogens 2021; 10:85. [PMID: 33478174 PMCID: PMC7835972 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10010085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
During recent years; Xylella fastidiosa subsp. pauca (Xfp) has spread in Salento causing relevant damage to the olive groves. Measures to contain the spreading of the pathogen include the monitoring of the areas bordering the so-called "infected" zone and the tree eradication in case of positive detection. In order to provide a control strategy aimed to maintain the tree productivity in the infected areas, we further evaluated the in vitro and in planta mid-term effectiveness of a zinc-copper-citric acid biocomplex. The compound showed an in vitro bactericidal activity and inhibited the biofilm formation in representative strains of X. fastidiosa subspecies, including Xfp isolated in Apulia from olive trees. The field mid-term evaluation of the control strategy assessed by quantitative real-time PCR in 41 trees of two olive groves of the "infected" area revealed a low concentration of Xfp over the seasons upon the regular spraying of the biocomplex over 3 or 4 consecutive years. In particular, the bacterial concentration lowered in July and October with respect to March, after six consecutive treatments. The trend was not affected by the cultivar and it was similar either in the Xfp-sensitive cultivars Ogliarola salentina and Cellina di Nardò or in the Xfp-resistant Leccino. Moreover, the scoring of the number of wilted twigs over the seasons confirmed the trend. The efficacy of the treatment in the management of olive groves subjected to a high pathogen pressure is highlighted by the yielded a good oil production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Tatulli
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA), Research Centre for Plant Protection and Certification, 00156 Roma, Italy; (G.T.); (V.M.); (N.P.); (V.S.); (A.L.); (S.L.)
| | - Vanessa Modesti
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA), Research Centre for Plant Protection and Certification, 00156 Roma, Italy; (G.T.); (V.M.); (N.P.); (V.S.); (A.L.); (S.L.)
| | - Nicoletta Pucci
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA), Research Centre for Plant Protection and Certification, 00156 Roma, Italy; (G.T.); (V.M.); (N.P.); (V.S.); (A.L.); (S.L.)
| | - Valeria Scala
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA), Research Centre for Plant Protection and Certification, 00156 Roma, Italy; (G.T.); (V.M.); (N.P.); (V.S.); (A.L.); (S.L.)
| | - Alessia L’Aurora
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA), Research Centre for Plant Protection and Certification, 00156 Roma, Italy; (G.T.); (V.M.); (N.P.); (V.S.); (A.L.); (S.L.)
| | - Simone Lucchesi
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA), Research Centre for Plant Protection and Certification, 00156 Roma, Italy; (G.T.); (V.M.); (N.P.); (V.S.); (A.L.); (S.L.)
| | - Manuel Salustri
- Dipartimento di Biologia Ambientale, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy;
| | - Marco Scortichini
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA), Research Centre for Olive, Fruit and Citrus Crops, 00134 Roma, Italy
| | - Stefania Loreti
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA), Research Centre for Plant Protection and Certification, 00156 Roma, Italy; (G.T.); (V.M.); (N.P.); (V.S.); (A.L.); (S.L.)
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