Xylella fastidiosa

Xylella fastidiosa is a species of Gram-negative bacteria that is pathogenic to plants. It is known to cause a number of serious plant diseases, including Pierce's disease of grapevines, citrus variegated chlorosis, and olive quick decline syndrome.

Taxonomy

Xylella fastidiosa is a member of the family Xanthomonadaceae. It was first described in 1892 by Newton B. Pierce, who identified it as the causative agent of Pierce's disease in California. The species name fastidiosa is derived from the Latin word for "annoying," reflecting the significant damage this bacterium can cause to infected plants.

Biology

Xylella fastidiosa is a rod-shaped bacterium that measures approximately 0.25 to 0.35 micrometers in diameter and 0.9 to 3.5 micrometers in length. It is capable of living within the xylem vessels of plants, where it forms biofilms that can block the flow of water and nutrients. This blockage can lead to leaf scorch, wilting, and ultimately, the death of the plant.

Transmission

Xylella fastidiosa is primarily transmitted by xylem-feeding insects, such as sharpshooters and spittlebugs. These insects acquire the bacteria while feeding on the xylem sap of infected plants, and can then spread the bacteria to healthy plants. The bacterium can also be spread through the use of contaminated pruning tools.

Control

Control of Xylella fastidiosa is challenging due to its wide host range and the difficulty of detecting the bacterium in asymptomatic plants. Current control strategies include the use of insecticides to control vector populations, the removal of infected plants, and the use of resistant or tolerant plant varieties.

Impact

Xylella fastidiosa has a significant impact on agriculture, particularly in regions where the bacterium is endemic. It is estimated to cause millions of dollars in losses each year due to reduced crop yields and the cost of control measures.

See also

• Plant pathology
• Bacterial leaf scorch
• Phytopathology

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