Characteristics of sugarcane white leaf phytoplasma transmission by the leafhopper Matsumuratettix hiroglyphicus

Abstract

The leafhopper Matsumuratettix hiroglyphicus (Matsumura) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) is the most important vector of sugarcane white leaf (SCWL) phytoplasma that significantly affects the sugarcane crop in Asia. Here, we aimed to study the characteristics of SCWL phytoplasma transmission by M. hiroglyphicus. To this end, the stylet penetration activities performed during the acquisition access period (AAP) and inoculation access period (IAP) were investigated by the direct current electrical penetration graph technique and confirmed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Additionally, the latent period (LP) of SCWL phytoplasma in the vector was determined by qPCR and localised by fluorescent in situ hybridisation. The results indicated that the acquisition of SCWL phytoplasma occurred during phloem ingestion (waveform D), whereas its inoculation was associated with salivation into the phloem sieve element (waveform C). The minimum AAP was 15 min and the minimum duration of phloem ingestion was 2.35 min. The minimum LP of SCWL phytoplasma in the vector was at least 14 days; then, SCWL phytoplasma moved to the salivary glands of the insect, enabling the transmission of the pathogen to the host plants. The minimum IAP for a successful transmission of SCWL phytoplasma to the host plants was 11–12 min, with a minimum duration of salivation into phloem of 1.35 min. The female vectors had higher SCWL phytoplasma copy numbers than the male vectors, and displayed faster AAP, IAP, and LP. Overall, our findings provide important information related to the feeding behaviour of M. hiroglyphicus and its effect on the transmission of SCWL phytoplasma.

Spatiotemporal dynamics and quantitative analysis of phytoplasmas in insect vectors

“…6, ii-iii). Although consideration should be given to the influence of insect stage and temperature, which can change the latency period between phytoplasma acquisition and transmission 34,35 , the infection dynamics determined in this study are consistent with those of previous studies in terms of the temporal localizations of OY and other phytoplasmas [14][15][16]24,36 and spiroplasmas 8 . Thus, the proposed model may contribute to a better understanding of the detailed dynamics of plant pathogenic bacteria in their insect vectors.…”

“…Moreover, TEM cannot readily distinguish among different phytoplasmas, or phytoplasmas from other cell wall-less bacteria, when mixed infections occur 19,20 . ELISA-and PCR-based analyses can detect and quantify specific phytoplasmas at the whole-body, organ, or tissue levels 17,18,[20][21][22][23][24] ; however, they cannot determine whether phytoplasmas are located inside or outside the organs. Because these methods have been used independently in most studies, a detailed understanding is lacking with respect to the movements and multiplication patterns of phytoplasmas in insect vectors, particularly the timing and locations of phytoplasma passage through various insect organs, such as the alimentary canal and salivary glands; most importantly, there remains a lack of clarity regarding the duration and abundance of phytoplasmas accumulated in each organ.…”

Identification and Evaluation of Sugarcane Cultivars for Antixenosis Resistance to the Leafhopper <em>Yamatotettix flavovittatus</em> Matsumura (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae)

“…The leafhopper Y. flavovittatus feeds on plant tissue by inserting its stylet bundle, along with a salivary sheath, into the plant, targeting the phloem tissue and regulating the ingestion of pressurized plant sap [3]. To investigate the feeding behaviors of this leafhopper, which serves as a vector for SCWL, researchers have employed the electrical penetration graph (EPG) technique [18,19,3]. Through EPG, the positioning of Y. flavovittatus stylets during probing can be determined, facilitating the correlation of feeding patterns with interactions within the plant tissue.…”

Disruption of transmission of plant pathogens in the insect order Hemiptera using recent advances in RNA interference biotechnology

“…They are host to over 700 plant species globally (Cao et al, 2014; Li et al, 2011). On the other hand, the leafhopper Matsumuratettix hiroglyphicus from the family Cicadellidae, is the most important vector of sugarcane white leaf phytoplasma that significantly affects the sugar‐cane crop in Asia (Roddee et al, 2019).…”