Microbiome

Identification and selection of xylem- and insect vector foregut-colonizing bacteria with biocontrol potential against Xylella fastidiosa subspecies and STs

Subproject TED2021-130110B-C41will be led by IAS-CSIC.

This subproject aims to explore and exploit the new opportunities emerging from biotechnological developments, in particular metagenomics, in situ confocal microscopy and culturomics tools, to identify and select bacteria with dual ability to colonize the xylem of X. fastidiosa host plants and the foregut of its insect vectors, and with biocontrol potential against X. fastidiosa subspecies and STs.

For that, we will first perform a high-throughput massive isolation, cultivation, identification and genetic characterization of bacteria from xylem vessels of X. fastidiosa host plants and the foregut of known X. fastidiosa vectors. Then, we will select bacteria with biocontrol potential against different X. fastidiosa subspecies and STs based on in silico and in vivo studies. Later on, we will determine the ability of those bacteria to establish and colonize the xylem vessels when inoculated by endotherapy into the plant, and to be subsequently acquired and transmitted by X. fastidiosa insect vectors to new plants.

Finally, we will determine the biocontrol activity in planta of those most promising biocontrol bacteria against X. fastidiosa subspecies and STs.

In order to obtain a selection of bacteria with biocontrol traits against X. fastidiosa that can be also acquired and transmitted by Philaenus spumarius the following activities and methodologies are proposed:

  1. To perform a high-throughput massive isolation, cultivation, identification and genetic characterization of bacteria colonizing the xylem of fastidiosa host plants and the foregut of X. fastidiosa insect vectors.
  2. Selection of xylem-inhabiting bacteria with key traits against fastidiosa based on in silico and in vitro studies.
  3. Selection of antagonistic bacteria with the dual ability to colonize the xylem of fastidiosa host plants and the foregut of X. fastidiosa insect vectors.
  4. To determine the biocontrol activity in planta against fastidiosa subspecies of selected antagonistic bacteria.