Co-Authors:
Zahavi, Tirtza
Naor, Vered
Iasur-Kruh, Lilach
Abstract:
Phytoplasma, the causative agent of bois-noir disease of grapevines, are vectored by the planthopper Hyalesthes obsoletus (Hemiptera: Cixiidae). A Dyella-like bacterium (DLB) isolated from H. obsoletus inhibits the growth of Spiroplasma melliferum, a cultivable relative of phytoplasma. Additional evidence suggests that DLB can reduce the symptoms of yellows disease in grapevine plantlets. The present aim was to test whether DLB could colonize a range of Phytoplasma- and Liberibacter-sensitive crop plants, and thus assess its potential agricultural use.