Peptides
Natural and synthetic functional peptides against different X. fastidiosa subspecies and STs
Subproject TED2021-130110B-C42will be led by University of Girona
This Subproject will focus on functional peptides that are a class of peptides that could be considered as promising candidates to control X. fastidiosa. Most peptides exhibit high antibacterial activity and low toxicity, they are not persistent compounds because of its biodegradability and resistance to them in pathogens is difficult to emerge since their mechanism of action may involve multifunctional activities.
The overall objective of this SP3 is to have an effective control tool based on the use of functional peptides, against diseases caused by X. fastidiosa, and to verify their range of action against subspecies and STs from Spain and from other geographical origins.
The functional peptides included have been previously developed and confirmed their activity in most cases against one strain of X. fastidiosa.
To achieve the objectives a methodology and work plan is proposed consisting of:
1 – The study of the range of action of selected peptides against X. fastidiosa subspecies and STs and their phytotoxicity. The peptides will be lytic, antibiofilm and bifunctional lytic and plant defence elicitors, and are from bacterial origin or synthetic, for which our research group have confirmed in vitro activity against a limited number strains, but not yet in planta phytotoxicity and efficacy.
2 – The evaluation of the efficacy in planta using the Nicotiana benthamiana model, that develop faster responses than woody host plants. Several isolates of X. fastidiosa pertaining to the three main subspecies (pauca, fastidiosa, multiplex) and STs will be studied.
Deliverables will include lytic, antibiofilm and bifunctional lytic-defence elictor peptides with low phytotoxicity and proven activity against European X. fastidiosa strains of different subspecies an STs in planta, suitable for use in future projects for greenhouse-field tests of disease control in field crops like olive, grapevine or forest and wild wooden species for replanting.