 Xylella fastidiosa ecology
X. fastidiosa is
a xylem-limited plant pathogenic bacterium transmitted by
sharpshooter leafhoppers. Because insect vectors are the only
means of natural spread of this pathogen, we are interested in studying
how transmission occurs, what affects transmission efficiency, and what
are the implications of vector-pathogen-host plant biology and ecology
on disease spread.
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 Xylella fastidiosa-vector interactions
This bacterium colonizes the mouthparts of insects, where it is
retained until inoculation into susceptible plants. Little is
known about the molecular interactions in this bacterium-vector
interface. With many mutants available for
research, we are looking into what genes are required for X. fastidiosa's colonization of vectors and its transmission to plants. |
 Disease molecular ecology/epidemiology
We also use molecular tools to study the spread of vectored plant
pathogens. Molecular tools allow us to determine the history of
epidemics, the evolution and diversity of the pathogens and other interesting
information relevant to disease epidemiology. We are especially interested in studying the
importance of disease spatial distribution on pathogen populations in
the environment. |
 Grapevine leafroll
We are starting to work with grapevine leafroll associated viruses.
Our current interest in this system is to understand factors
important for disease spread and virus transmission by insect
vectors. We intend to use the approaches discussed above as a starting
point for this emerging problem in California and other regions.
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 Stink bug bacterial symbionts
An exciting but different research area is the biology of stink bug
symbionts. We have shown that stink bugs (Pentatomidae) have a
bacterium colonizing the last section
of their midgut (caeca). This bacterium is vertically, but not
transovarially, transmitted to offspring. Females smear the
surface of
eggs with symbionts, which are acquired by nymphs after hatching.
This
is a unique system with a number of interesting biological and
evolutionary questions to be
answered. |
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Research funding:
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