N-acetylcysteine in acquisition and transmission studies of Xylella fastidiosa in citrus

• Grant number: 18/19980-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Effective date (Start): January 01, 2019
• Effective date (End): October 31, 2020
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Agronomy - Plant Health
• Principal Investigator: Joao Roberto Spotti Lopes
• Grantee: Karla Kudlawiec
• Host Institution: Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz (ESALQ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Piracicaba , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 13/10957-0 - Xylella fastidiosa-vector-host plant interaction and approaches for citrus variegated chlorosis and citrus canker control, AP.TEM
• Associated scholarship(s): 19/13768-0 - Impact of N-acetylcysteine on the feeding behavior of Philaenus spumarius associated to the transmission of Xylella fastidiosa, BE.EP.MS

Abstract

Citrus Variegated Chlorosis (CVC) is caused by Xylella fastidiosa bacterium that induces losses in quality and quantity of produced fruits, mainly in sweet orange (Citrus sinensis). The bacterium blocks the plant xylem sap, by producing the biofilm and preventing water and nutrients circulation. As a healing measure, the antimicrobial molecule, called N - acetylcysteine (NAC) was used efficiently for CVC control by reducing bacterial titer and disease symptoms in citrus plants. This project has the objective to evaluate the effect of NAC on acquisition and transmission of X. fastidiosa by the insect vector Macugonalia leucomelas, which is commonly found in citrus orchards. In a first study in vivo assasys will be performed to evaluate the acquisition of the bacterium by the vector in infected citrus plants, with and without NAC treatment. In the second study, in vitro assays will be done with bacterium acquisition in an artificial diet followed by feeding on branches of Vernonia condensata treated with NAC, for successive periods, in order to evaluate the direct NAC effect on the bacteria inside the insect vector. In both tests, after acquisition, the insects will be placed on healtny Catharanthus roseus (vinca) plants (test plants), in order to evaluate transmission. At the end of the experiments, it is expected to determine the indirect effect of NAC on insect transmission efficiency after acquisition on treated plants, as well as the direct effect on transmission by insects previously infected with the bacterium.

Academic Publications

(References retrieved automatically from State of São Paulo Research Institutions)

KUDLAWIEC, Karla. N-acetylcysteine in transmission studies of Xylella fastidiosa by sharpshooters. 2021. Master's Dissertation - Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz (ESALA/BC) Piracicaba.