Xylella fastidiosa

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]


This article is a stub.

You can help WikiMD by registering to expand it.
Editing is available only to registered and verified users.
WikiMD is a comprehensive, free health & wellness encyclopedia.


WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD