CLas Bacteria


Characterization of a putative insect-transmission determinant/virulence gene (hypI) of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus(Las)

Report Date: 10/15/2010   Project: Duan-310

Characterization of a putative insect-transmission determinant/virulence gene (hypI) of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus(Las)

Report Date: 10/15/2010
Project: Duan-310
Category: CLas Bacteria
Author: Yongping Duan
Sponsor: Citrus Research and Development Foundation

The objective of this project is to characterize the hypI gene and determine its effects on insect transmission and/or virulence in host plants. Transient expression with alternative expression systems and RT-qPCR, etc., will be used to elucidate the function of the hypI gene of Las and shed light on the molecular mechanism of this “phase variation” phenomenon; thereby developing a novel control strategy for citrus HLB. In addition, antibodies and probes along with standardized protocols developed during this project can be applied for better detection and differentiation of the HLB bacteria. The hypI (renamed as hyvI) was further characterized. Another homologous of the hyvI was also identified and named as hyvII. The hyvI (2760 bp) contains 12 nearly identical 132-bp repeats and 4 partial repeats while the hyvII (1026 bp) contains only one incomplete repeat and shares homology with hyvI. Frequent deletions or insertions of these repeats within the hyvI/II genes were observed, but none of which disrupted the open reading frame. Sequencing analysis of the hyvI/hyvII genes from 35 Las DNA samples collected globally revealed sequence conservation within the individual repeats but an extensive variation regarding repeat numbers, their rearrangement, and the sequences outside of repeat region. These differences are found not only in samples with distinct geographical origins but also from a single origin and even from a single Las-infected sample. The Florida isolates contain both hyvI and hyvII while all other global isolates contain only one of the two. Interclade assignments of the putative HyvI/II proteins from Florida isolates with other global isolates in the phylogenic trees imply a multi-source introduction of the Las bacterium into Florida. We have developed a real-time PCR using SYBR Green 1 (LJ900fr) and TaqMan’ (LJ900fpr) protocols with primers and probe targeting nearly identical tandem repeats of 100bp within two Las prophage genes, hyvI and hyvII. Because of higher copy number of the tandem repeats per bacterial genome, these methods significantly improved detection capacity of the HLB bacterium. In comparable samples relative to 16S HLBaspr real-time PCR, these new methods reduced the relative detectable threshold by approximate 9 and 3 cycles for LJ900fr and LJ900fpr, respectively. From HLB samples with extreme low titer of Las bacterium, both LJ900fr and LJ900fpr detected Las from otherwise non-detectable samples by APHIS standard, HLBaspr.



Detecting citrus greening (HLB) using multiple sensors and sensor fusion approach

Report Date: 10/15/2010   Project: 57

Detecting citrus greening (HLB) using multiple sensors and sensor fusion approach

Report Date: 10/15/2010
Project: 57
Category: CLas Bacteria
Author: Reza Ehsani
Sponsor: Citrus Research and Development Foundation

HLB detection using volatile profiling: Our primary objective has been to develop a highly reproducible method to trap field leaf samples in sufficient amounts to allow unambiguous identification and then to compare healthy and greening leaf volatile patterns. New sampling techniques involving large volume air sampling and solid phase volatile traps have also been developed and are currently being optimized. Various solid phase volatile trap materials were evaluated. The most efficient trap material was a combination of Tenax and graphite. Two liquid nitrogen dispensing devices were evaluated. The large volume (160L) 22 psi tank was the most reliable with shortest recycle times. Cryofocusing temperatures from 0 to -100’C, were evaluated with -100 ‘C being optimum. Over 72 chromatographic peaks (Carbowax column) could be reproducibly detected from a one hour air sample taken over the surface from a healthy Valencia flush leaf cluster. Identification of these peaks is in progress. In addition to the above activities, progress is being made on the development of a portable instrumentation platform for leaf volatile sensing, together with our partners in industry. We now have a miniature ‘suitcase’ instrument capable of taking direct measurements in the field from tree leaves within the citrus canopy. The instrument can acquire samples a time frame that ranges between 2 and 10 min (adjustable) and concentrates the VOCs released from the plants into an on-board sorbent trap. The trap is then heated to desorb the compounds into the DMS for in-field analysis. Concurrently, we have continued to work on determining the most robust HLB-associated VOC profiles released from citrus post infection. We have identified a few chemical peaks from Valencia and Hamlin samples (greenhouse plants), and we are in the process of robust chemical identification at this time. We also continue to make progress on algorithms needed for signal processing and identification of disease-relevant biomarkers from our field tests. By the end of October 2010, we will be using the developed instrument for a planned field trial and field testing of two additional suitcase instruments, during November and December of 2010. We continue to work on adapting these methods for real-time field detection and robust classification strategies. HLB detection using reflectance spectroscopy: A new Multiplex’ fluorescence sensor was acquired from Dynamax Inc. and a large set of laboratory and field data were collected from citrus leaves of HLB-infected, healthy, and nutrient-deficient trees. In addition, visible and near-infrared spectral reflectance data were also collected from HLB-infected, healthy, and nutrient-deficient leaf samples under laboratory and field conditions. Data from both non-symptomatic and symptomatic leaf samples from HLB-infected trees were collected. The data analysis on these sets of data is ongoing. The manuscript describing research on HLB-detection based on mid-infrared spectroscopy has been accepted for publication in ‘Talanta’ and is currently in press. HLB detection using airborne hyperspectral imaging: A new set of aerial images of HLB infected groves will be acquired between October and November, 2010 using three camera systems (color, multispectral and hyperspectral cameras) with the cooperation of Dr. Yang’s group at the USDA ARS in Weslaco, Texas. The grove is located at 26’19’ 2.9” N and 80’57’ 28.7” W. More image analyses are currently being conducted with the previous images acquired in 2007 and 2009. A journal article is currently being prepared from the previous research activities.



In vitro culture of the fastidious bacteria Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus associated with Citrus Greening (Huanglongbing or HLB) Disease.

Report Date: 10/15/2010   Project: 48

In vitro culture of the fastidious bacteria Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus associated with Citrus Greening (Huanglongbing or HLB) Disease.

Report Date: 10/15/2010
Project: 48
Category: CLas Bacteria
Author: Michel DOLLET
Sponsor: Citrus Research and Development Foundation

The goal of this project is to obtain the in vitro culture of the bacteria – Ca. Liberibacter asiaticus (LAS) – associated with the Citrus greening syndrome. The strategy consists of primo-cultures of the bacteria in insect cells cultures used as feeder cells. Inoculums from LAS infected citrus or periwinkle were macerated with various insect cell cultures, in different media. LAS presence in the inoculated cell cultures was checked by direct PCR and confirmed by sequencing of the amplicons. Nine different cell lines were tested from Mamestra, Spodoptera, Drosophila, Aedes, Diaphorina insects. Mamestra and Spodoptera cell lines were not suitable for LAS growth. Two Drosophila and one Aedes cell lines showed to sustain Liberibacter survival and growth. LAS/Drosophila co-cultures: the major challenge remains to maintain the insect cell population low. We are currently testing new culture media and conditions to contain their growth. Culture in tubes in different media helped in containing drosophila cells proliferation. LAS signal in those cultures is very low and we are currently monitoring and adapting the conditions for improved bacterial growth. LAS/Aedes co-cultures were obtained at a low insect cell concentration. One co-culture has been continuously growing for 9 months and 16 successive transfers. Axenization of this culture is progressing intriguingly along with the formation of biofilm-like assemblies in the flask. These assemblies are testing positive for LAS and we will further analyze them by microscopy. To reach higher bacterial concentrations, we analyzed metabolic pathways potentially encoded by the released Ca. Liberibacter genome sequences to define limiting factors and/or growth inhibitors and we complemented the primo-cultures with various additives (sugars, vitamins,’). Adding proline and ethanolamine in a LAS/Aedes co-culture allowed us to get higher concentrations of LAS (~1.107cells/ml) and are currently looking into best ways to maintain/increase those concentration levels and to stock those LAS cultures. Diaphorina cell lines were recently received and are under investigation regarding their capacity to maintain the bacteria. The Keyhani’s lab recently sent us three Diaphorina citri cell lines. The inoculated cell cultures tested positive after 5 to 34 days and two cell lines are positive after one transfer so far. So we now have three different insect cells that succeeded in getting a LAS positive signal after inoculation (Drosophila, Aedes, Diaphorina) and while still working on getting improved growth of bacteria, we continue to test additional insect cells for our co-cultures.



Development of sensitive non-radioactive and rapid tissue blot diagnostic method for large-scale detection of citrus greening pathogen

Report Date: 10/15/2010   Project: 88304

Development of sensitive non-radioactive and rapid tissue blot diagnostic method for large-scale detection of citrus greening pathogen

Report Date: 10/15/2010
Project: 88304
Category: CLas Bacteria
Author: Siddarame Gowda
Sponsor: Citrus Research and Development Foundation

We have made some progress from the last quarter progress report in the detection of ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’ (CLas) in citrus tissue blots. Digoxigenin based PCR probes seem to work better compared to riboprobes at present. We have been able to consistently obtain specific hybridization with the EF-Tu PCR probe. Other probes have been used with varying efficiency. Using this probe we have been able to do whole leaf blots. This is done by gently scraping the abaxial side of the leaf with a razor blade and making a tissue imprint on the hybridization membrane. The results indicated that a strong hybridization was observed in the mid-rib and lateral veins of older symptomatic leaves suggesting the presence of CLas. However, with young leaves from the same branch (non-symptomatic) hybridization was not observed but not as strong as the older symptomatic leaves. We have not overcome the non-specific hybridizations observed with psyllids using whole psyllid squashes. The healthy psyllids also show non-specific signal. However, using single psyllid extract in phosphate buffer and use of total extract (high speed) eliminated the non-specific hybridization. This eliminated the need for the preparation of nucleic acids from the psyllids. However, this is still time consuming, and our aim is to make the whole psyllid squash blot to work consistently without non-specific hybridization. As mentioned in the previous progress report we are preparing probes for the genomic regions of CLas which encode hypothetical proteins will and test them soon.



Dissecting The Disease Complex of Citrus Huanglongbing in Florida

Report Date: 10/15/2010   Project: Duan-162

Dissecting The Disease Complex of Citrus Huanglongbing in Florida

Report Date: 10/15/2010
Project: Duan-162
Category: CLas Bacteria
Author: Yongping Duan
Sponsor: Citrus Research and Development Foundation

The objective of this project is 1) to complete the Las genome sequence and conduct comparative genomics studies on the Liberibacter species; 2) to explore the potential role of the microbial community and genetic diversity of Las bacteria in HLB development; 3) to confirm if Las bacteria are seed-transmissible and their role in HLB development. A complete circular genome of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus was obtained using a metagenomics approach and published in MPMI 22:1011-1020, 2009. In collaboration with Dr. Hong Lin at the USDA-ARS in Parlier, California, we have obtained a complete genome sequence of Ca. L. psyllaurous with ca.1.25Mb, and the sequence has been released on NCBI. End sequencing of all BAC clones of Las revealed new clones containing different Las sequences and potential rearrangement of Las genome. Based on the variations within the Las prophages, eight different haprotypes (populations) have been identified, and their correlations with phenotypes and disease severity of HLB is under investigations. We have characterized the ATP translocase from Las and proved its function using a heterologous E. coli system. This data was published in J. Bacteriol. 192:834-840, 2010. We are currently developing an antibody-based “drug” to target this protein, aimed at disrupting ATP import, which may be important for its survival. We have also characterized the individual genes of two putative zinc operons in Las, with an overall aim of interfering with the ability of Las to regulate zinc uptake. Seed transmission of Las was tested in grapefruit, sweet orange, sour orange and trifoliate orange. Relatively high titers of Las were detected from both seed coats and inner seed coats collected from HLB-affected citrus plants. A very low titer of Las was detected from the embryos and seedlings using nested PCR and real-time PCR. Most, if not all the seedlings did not show typical HLB symptoms and contained a relatively low Las bacterial titer for HLB, even in the three to four year old seedlings. The results indicated that the seed-transmitted Las could not cause typical HLB disease by themselves, which suggested “Detection of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus was NOT necessarily equal to the presence of “HLB disease” in plants.” Psyllid transmission study on the Las-positive seedlings was performed. High percentage of psyllids acquired Las bacterium but did not have the same bacterial levels as those from HLB-affected citrus plants. However, it is FIRST TIME that ONE SEED-TRANSMITTED HLB SEEDLING was confirmed by PCR using several Las-specific primer sets. Graft transmission of the cutting from this HLB plant is underway. Repeat testing from the HLB-affected sour orange seeds is in the process. Progress on culture of Las bacterium in vitro has been made. Up to 100,000 to 1,000,000 cells/ml were obtained within 72 hrs based on qPCR estimation. The Las cells number in the cultures were staggering and decline when they reached to Ct value 25.00 in liquid media. We are looking into the potential inhibition due to the prophage/phage conversion. Factors affecting the growth are being further evaluated using a spit-plot design.



Cultural practices to prolong productive life of HLB infected trees and evaluation of systemic acquired resistance inducers combined with psyllid control to manage greening

Report Date: 10/14/2010   Project: 78104

Cultural practices to prolong productive life of HLB infected trees and evaluation of systemic acquired resistance inducers combined with psyllid control to manage greening

Report Date: 10/14/2010
Project: 78104
Category: CLas Bacteria
Author: Robert Rouse
Sponsor: Citrus Research and Development Foundation

The nutritional trials with the Boyd cocktail are beginning to identify those components most important for maintaining trees with respect to healthy foliage, yield and fruit quality. The trees are still responding with vigorous vegetative growth and an impressive fruit crop. The components groups of the cocktail are macronutrients, micronutrients, SARs (Salicylic acid and Serenade), and hydrogen peroxide. The highest Valencia yields the past two seasons have been from treatments that had the micronutrients plus a phosphite. We have expanded our investigation this year to use what we learned in 2008 and 2009 to better define the contributions of the SARs and micronutrients, and include other micronutrient formulations. We have trials comparing the Boyd cocktail with and without the Salicylic acid and the Serenade. Based on grower interest and suggestion we have included in this trail two programs using KeyPlex. We have also initiated a trial to evaluate the value of each micronutrient. We have individual treatments of the micronutrients as sulfates and the Zn and Mn as a phosphite. All plots are HLB positive at the beginning of the experiment. A 12-acre block of ‘Valencia’ orange on ‘Swingle’ citromelo planted in June 2001 was selected to evaluate effects of foliar nutritional treatments and ACP management on yield and ACP populations. A randomized complete block design was used with 4 replicates of a 2 x 2 factorial experiment and 4 treatments: 1) untreated, 2 Insecticides only, 3) Nutritionals only, 4) nutritional+insecticide. ACP control consisted of dormant sprays and applications based on scouting results during the growing season. Cumulative insect x day populations in the untreated plots averaged 9.6 times greater than in the treated plots. The experiment was initiated in March 2008 with a 29.9% HLB infection rate based on PCR which increased to 94.7% in 32 months. Insecticide treated plots have had higher CT values (lower bacterial titer) than untreated plots consistently over time with no effect of nutrition. In 2010, the ‘nutrition + insecticide’ treatment had the highest yield (6.1 ‘ 0.6 Lb solid/tree), brix/acid ratio (19.0 ‘ 1.1), and juice/fruit ratio (65.0 ‘ 1%), and the lowest fruit drop (17.4 ‘ 6.5 Lb dropped/tree) of all other treatments. Fruit drop appeared to be caused by an untimely herbicide application a few days before the harvest.



Development of sensitive non-radioactive and rapid tissue blot diagnostic method for large-scale detection of citrus greening pathogen

Report Date: 08/29/2010   Project: 88304

Development of sensitive non-radioactive and rapid tissue blot diagnostic method for large-scale detection of citrus greening pathogen

Report Date: 08/29/2010
Project: 88304
Category: CLas Bacteria
Author: Siddarame Gowda
Sponsor: Citrus Research and Development Foundation

We made progress in developing the non-radioactive digoxigenin labeled probes for the detection of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas) in citrus tissues and psyllid vector using both DNA PCR probes as well as RNA probes. The probe that worked well with citrus tissues was the EF-TU probe. We made full-length probe as well as the truncated probes that worked with equal specificity. However, we have employed many probes with varying degree of success. Hybridizations were more specific in the tissue blots from the young flushes compared to the older parts of citrus. This is probably because of the relative high concentrations of the CLas pathogen in the new flush. Although the older parts of the infected citrus plants show clear symptoms of HLB (especially in the leaf), the hybridization signals were not very clear. Based on the CLas sequence we have identified several putative effector genes that probably are involved in pathogenesis. These effector genes are highly specific to CLas and putatively encode proteins which have been not annotated to any specific function. We are in the process of transferring them into citrus using the citrus tristeza virus vector. It is highly possible that the the probes made to these gene sequences would be highly specific to CLas. Towards this end, we have made primers to the end regions of these genes and have amplified them from total nucleic acids isolated from HLB infected citrus tissue. Amplifications were not observed with templates from healthy citrus plants. We will make probes for few of these genes and use as hybridization probes. We are also optimizing the hybridization using DNA and RNA probes for psyllids. As outlined earlier use of whole psyllids gave higher hybridization back ground in the ‘squash blots’. Therefore we intend to use the head and/or the thorax and the abdomen regions for making tissue (squash) blots of psyllids. As soon as the hybridization conditions are standardized for psyllids we will start using populations of psyllids from green house and subsequently from the field. The results of these experiments would provide information of the progression of the CLas spread in citrus and infection ratios in the psyllid population.



Functional study of the putative effectors of 'Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus' using Citrus tristeza virus vector

Report Date: 08/27/2010   Project: 87697

Functional study of the putative effectors of 'Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus' using Citrus tristeza virus vector

Report Date: 08/27/2010
Project: 87697
Category: CLas Bacteria
Author: Siddarame Gowda
Sponsor: Citrus Research and Development Foundation

Proposed research involves expression of putative effectors of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (Las) in citrus using citrus tristeza virus vector in an effort to understand the pathogenesis caused by Las. Recently, I have been able to recruit Dr. Subash Hajeri as Post-Doctoral Associate to initiate studies on this project. Based on the sequence information of Las, it is believed that many pathogenicity islands observed in the Las genome might contain bacterial effectors required for pathogen virulence, multiplication etc., and insect transmission determinants for the horizontal gene transfer. One way is to identify and express these putative effectors of Las in citrus and study their role in pathogenicity and the best approach currently available is our improved CTV-vector system, which expresses foreign genes in the citrus phloem. Towards this end, we have identified two prophage related gene-clusters of nearly 16 and 30 Kb which putatively encode many hypothetical proteins which are believed to play role in Las pathogenesis. At present we have amplified, by PCR using specific primers, some of these hypothetical protein genes from the total nucleic acids isolated from HLB infected citrus plants and cloned into our CTV vector. Additionally, two hypothetical proteins, hemolysin-like and serralysin-like proteins, have also been cloned into the CTV vector and all are in the process of being transferred into citrus.



Detecting citrus greening (HLB) using multiple sensors and sensor fusion approach

Report Date: 08/17/2010   Project: 57

Detecting citrus greening (HLB) using multiple sensors and sensor fusion approach

Report Date: 08/17/2010
Project: 57
Category: CLas Bacteria
Author: Reza Ehsani
Sponsor: Citrus Research and Development Foundation

The potential of mid-infrared spectroscopy for HLB detection was investigated as a part of this project. The mid-infrared spectral features were extracted and two prominent peaks: 5.5 to 6.5 ‘m (1,538 to 1,818 cm-1) and 9 to 10.5 ‘m (952 to 1,112 cm-1) representing water and carbohydrate absorption peaks, respectively were observed. The spectral data were preprocessed (baseline correction, negative offset correction, removal of water absorbance band, principal component analysis) before further analysis. Two different classification algorithms: k-nearest neighbor (kNN) and quadratic discriminant analysis (QDA) were used for distinguishing healthy, nutrient-deficient, and HLB-infected leaf samples. The kNN-based statistical algorithm yielded a higher average healthy, nutrient-deficient and HLB class classification accuracies (> 95%) than those of QDA. Future study will involve the detection of HLB-infected leaves at asymptomatic stages using mid-infrared spectroscopy. In another approach, efforts are being made to utilize plant volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or biomarkers that indicate the presence of HLB infection. Measurements of VOCs using gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer were made for healthy and HLB-infected plants of two citrus varieties (Hamlin and Valencia) in green house. Using the VOC profiles, we were able to identify the disease and control plants for each variety. Some of the potential biomarkers representing the disease were also identified. Further, based on the leave-one-out validating strategy, predictive models developed by combining auto-regression as feature extraction approach and principal component regression yielded an accuracy that ranged from 60 to 100%, which holds great promise for VOC based detection of plant pathogens. The overall accuracy of the predictive model was limited by the variation in sampling conditions over time which also resulted in plant aging. Efforts are ongoing to further improve accuracy by reducing the variability in the samples. Several manuscripts have been prepared for journal publication. The titles of some of the manuscripts are: Visible-near infrared spectroscopy for detection of Huanglongbing in citrus orchards, Mid-infrared spectroscopy for detection of Huanglongbing (greening) in citrus leaves, and Volatile emissions from citrus plants change after infection with Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus. The articles summarize the results on HLB detection using visible-near infrared spectroscopy, mid-infrared spectroscopy, and VOCs profiling.



Report Date: 08/15/2010   Project: 170   Year: 2010

Report Date: 08/15/2010
Project: 170   Year: 2010
Category: CLas Bacteria
Author: Pamela Roberts
Sponsor: Citrus Research and Development Foundation

The Huanglongbing (HLB) Diagnostic lab has been in service since February 1, 2008 and has processed more than 22,500 samples submitted from citrus producers, approximately 9,100 samples from researchers, and nearly 1,000 samples from the Citrus Foundation screenhouse located at SWFREC for a total of more than 32,000 samples. Growers, extension personnel, and researchers from around the state are utilizing this service. As expected, the diagnostic testing is now being provided to increasing numbers submitted from producers from all the citrus producing counties in Florida. The lab has received samples from growers throughout Florida, with the highest number of samples received from Collier, Highlands, Palm Beach, Polk, and Hendry counties. There is a slight seasonality to the sample submission volume with respect to harvesting and new growth (flushing) events. This year, growers have submitted the most samples January-May. Approximately 2100 arrived from May through August 2010. From the currently accumulated data, the HLB lab has a 70% positive sample submission rate, and a 30 % negative submission. As previously reported, the methodology is briefly: samples are processed using USDA guidelines for HLB detection (Anonymous, 2007) and results are typically available within two weeks of submission. The HLB Diagnostic lab currently has two full-time dedicated employees and three part-time employees responsible for logging in samples, performing the diagnostic assays, and sending reports on the results. The testing procedure employs amplification of specific regions of the pathogen’s DNA sequence and detection in real-time by use of a PCR machine designed for this application. This test is both equipment and personnel intensive. In addition, expendable lab equipment and reagents are consumed in performing the test. The specific methodology used in this laboratory is described in ‘Real-time PCR for diagnostic detection of citrus greening or HLB (Huanglongbing) from plant samples’, USDA, APHIS, PPQ, CPHST. DNC WI-B-T-D-2 (Anonymous. 2007). This lab has been in full operation for slightly more than two years. These disease detection rates are not directly indicative of the actual overall field disease levels for HLB since scouting and field sampling are usually selective. The lab also provides support to on-going research and extension programs at University of Florida. To support research, the HLB Laboratory extended its capabilities to include the detection of the bacterium Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus the causal organism of the citrus disease huanglongbing (HLB) in the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri. Detection has been carried out in approximately 555 samples. In addition to detection, quantification of the bacterial load has been carried out in 387of the 555 samples. Samples comprise of individual adult and fifth instars nymphs or groups of first to fourth instars nymphs.



Spatial and temporal incidence of Ca. Liberibacter in Citrus and Psyllids detected using real-time PCR

Report Date: 08/15/2010   Project: 172   Year: 2010

Spatial and temporal incidence of Ca. Liberibacter in Citrus and Psyllids detected using real-time PCR

Report Date: 08/15/2010
Project: 172   Year: 2010
Category: CLas Bacteria
Author: Pamela Roberts
Sponsor: Citrus Research and Development Foundation

Spatial and Temporal Incidence of Ca. Liberibacter in Citrus and Psyllids Detected Using Real Time PCR Objective 1. Assess seasonal patterns of pathogen incidence in citrus trees and psyllids in regions of high HLB incidence. A 12 acre block of ‘Valencia’ orange trees was selected at a commercial grove in 2008. Plant and psyllid samples are being collected every four months to test for Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus using PCR. Two experiments were conducted in B9 during this time frame (April-Sept) one each in May and July. These were similar to the experiments that we have reported in some of the previous reports last year. A tree determined to be PCR positive and one PCR negative tree (both identified in 2009) in each plot (total 16 plots distributed across 4 replicates and 4 treatments, two levels of micronutrients+SAR, insecticide treatment, and untreated control) was trimmed to induce new flush. Psyllid adults from HLB negative colony on orange jasmine (Murraya paniculata) were released and caged on a new shoot (one per tree) that had been caged immediately after trimming. An additional cage was placed on a previously uncaged and psyllid-infested shoot on the same tree. All cages along with branches and psyllids were collected 2 weeks later and submitted for PCR analysis. No results are available yet although we have the protocol for detection of HLB bacteria in the vector and the plant pathology lab at SWFREC is currently analyzing samples. New plants were grafted in May and samples were collected and submitted for PCR analysis in May, June and August. Plants have not yet confirmed positive. Progress on this grant is as expected and projected in the grant timeline.



Characterization of a putative insect-transmission determinant/virulence gene (hypI) of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus(Las)

Report Date: 01/15/2010   Project: Duan-310

Characterization of a putative insect-transmission determinant/virulence gene (hypI) of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus(Las)

Report Date: 01/15/2010
Project: Duan-310
Category: CLas Bacteria
Author: Yongping Duan
Sponsor: Citrus Research and Development Foundation

The objective of this project is to characterize the hypI (renamed as hyvI) gene and determine its effects on insect transmission and/or virulence in host plants. Transient expression with alternative expression systems and RT-qPCR, etc., will be used to elucidate the function of the hypI (hyvII) gene of Las and shed light on the molecular mechanism of this “phase variation” phenomenon; thereby developing a novel control strategy for citrus HLB. In addition, antibodies and probes along with standardized protocols developed during this project can be applied for better detection and differentiation of the HLB bacteria. The hyvI and hyvII within two Las prophages were further characterized. Sequencing analysis of the hyvI/hyvII genes from 40 Las DNA samples collected globally revealed sequence conservation within the individual repeats but an extensive variation regarding repeat numbers, their rearrangement, and the sequences outside of repeat region. These differences are found not only in samples with distinct geographical origins but also from a single origin and even from a single Las-infected sample. The Florida isolates contain both hyvI and hyvII while all other global isolates contain only one of the two. Interclade assignments of the putative HyvI/II proteins from Florida isolates with other global isolates in the phylogenic trees imply a multi-source introduction of the Las bacterium into Florida. We have developed a real-time PCR using SYBR Green 1 (LJ900fr) and TaqMan’ (LJ900fpr) protocols with primers and probe targeting nearly identical tandem repeats of 100bp hyvI and hyvII. Because of higher copy number of the tandem repeats per bacterial genome, these methods significantly improved detection capacity of the HLB bacterium. In comparable samples relative to 16S HLBaspr real-time PCR, these new methods reduced the relative detectable threshold by approximate 9 and 3 cycles for LJ900fr and LJ900fpr, respectively. From HLB samples with extreme low titer of Las bacterium, both LJ900fr and LJ900fpr detected Las from otherwise non-detectable samples by APHIS standard, HLBaspr. To determine the cellular localization of the HyvI protein in plant cells and the role of the two putative NLSs in hyvI gene, full-length hyvI and C-terminal region including two putative NLSs were amplified and cloned into pCX-DG vector with GFP driven by CaMV35S promoter. The plasmids were sequenced and confirmed in-frame fusion with GFP reporter gene. Then transformed Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain GV 2660 with the pCX-DG-hyvI constructs. These clones will be infiltrated into tobacco to determine if these NLS are functional in the plant cells. Monoclonal antibodies against the partial HyvI protein ( one intragenic repeat and its flanking amino acid sequences) were generated, and their sensitivity and specificity were valuated for the detection of HyvI protein expressed in E. coli and HLB-infected citrus and psyllids. All antibodies were able to recognize the E. coli expressed HypvI antigen, but were not able to detect the HyvI antigen from HLB-infected plants and psyllids. The obstacles for detection of the antigen from HLB-infected plants remains to be further investigated.



In vitro culture of the fastidious bacteria Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus associated with Citrus Greening (Huanglongbing or HLB) Disease.

Report Date: 01/13/2010   Project: 48

In vitro culture of the fastidious bacteria Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus associated with Citrus Greening (Huanglongbing or HLB) Disease.

Report Date: 01/13/2010
Project: 48
Category: CLas Bacteria
Author: Michel DOLLET
Sponsor: Citrus Research and Development Foundation

The goal of this project is the in vitro culture of the bacteria – Ca. Liberibacter asiaticus (LAS) – associated with the Citrus greening syndrome. The strategy consists of primo-cultures of the bacteria in insect cells cultures used as feeder cells. Among nine different cell lines tested so far, we selected two Drosophila and one Aedes cell lines that were able to sustain LAS survival and growth. LAS/Drosophila co-cultures: the major challenge remains to decrease the insect cell population. We are currently testing new culture media and conditions to contain their growth. Two media and culture in tubes were selected for their ability to contain drosophila cells proliferation. Those conditions now selected, we started new primocultures. LAS/Aedes co-cultures were obtained at a low insect cell concentration. One co-culture has been continuously growing over 9 months and 19 successive transfers. Axenization of this culture is progressing with successive transfers with a major drop of insect cell concentration starting from transfer 11-12 and no detectable presence after transfer 14 (the presence of insect cell DNA was checked by light microscopy and by PCR using primers within the cytochrome oxidase gene). Meanwhile detection of LAS was maintained after transfer 11 to transfer 18, with a peak of concentration of 1.106 cells/ml at transfer 16 (as quantified by qPCR). The best bacteria titer (~1.107cells/ml) was obtained in a LAS/Aedes co-culture complemented with proline and ethanolamine with a very reduced insect cell concentration. We must now check if the LAS is the only bacteria in the culture. When we don’t find any other bacteria it would mean we have an axenic culture of LAS. That is not an easy task as we don’t know a priori which bacteria could be there. The Keyhani’s lab recently sent us three Diaphorina citri cell lines. They are under investigation regarding their capacity to assist the bacteria multiplication. The inoculated cell cultures tested positive after 5 to 34 days and two cell lines were positive after two transfers but D. citri cell cultures were not stable enough and were lost (along with the LAS detection) after those 2 transfers. After 5 months of growth in our lab and several passages, at least one of the D. citri line looks stable enough to start new primocultures. So we now have three different insect cells that succeeded in getting a LAS primocultures (Drosophila, Aedes, Diaphorina). While still working on getting improved growth of bacteria adjusting medium composition and culture conditions, we continue to test additional insect cells for our co-cultures. However, as soon as we are sure the culture is axenic we will start to fulfill Koch’s postulates by inoculation to healthy citrus via psyllids.



In vitro culture of the fastidious bacteria Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus associated with Citrus Greening (Huanglongbing or HLB) Disease.

Report Date: 01/13/2010   Project: 48

In vitro culture of the fastidious bacteria Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus associated with Citrus Greening (Huanglongbing or HLB) Disease.

Report Date: 01/13/2010
Project: 48
Category: CLas Bacteria
Author: Michel DOLLET
Sponsor: Citrus Research and Development Foundation

The goal of this project is the in vitro culture of the bacteria – Ca. Liberibacter asiaticus (LAS) – associated with the Citrus greening syndrome. The strategy consists of primo-cultures of the bacteria in insect cells cultures used as feeder cells. Among nine different cell lines tested so far, we selected two Drosophila and one Aedes cell lines that were able to sustain LAS survival and growth. LAS/Drosophila co-cultures: the major challenge remains to decrease the insect cell population. We are currently testing new culture media and conditions to contain their growth. Two media and culture in tubes were selected for their ability to contain drosophila cells proliferation. Those conditions now selected, we started new primocultures. LAS/Aedes co-cultures were obtained at a low insect cell concentration. One co-culture has been continuously growing over 9 months and 19 successive transfers. Axenization of this culture is progressing with successive transfers with a major drop of insect cell concentration starting from transfer 11-12 and no detectable presence after transfer 14 (the presence of insect cell DNA was checked by light microscopy and by PCR using primers within the cytochrome oxidase gene). Meanwhile detection of LAS was maintained after transfer 11 to transfer 18, with a peak of concentration of 1.106 cells/ml at transfer 16 (as quantified by qPCR). The best bacteria titer (~1.107cells/ml) was obtained in a LAS/Aedes co-culture complemented with proline and ethanolamine with a very reduced insect cell concentration. We must now check if the LAS is the only bacteria in the culture. When we don’t find any other bacteria it would mean we have an axenic culture of LAS. That is not an easy task as we don’t know a priori which bacteria could be there. The Keyhani’s lab recently sent us three Diaphorina citri cell lines. They are under investigation regarding their capacity to assist the bacteria multiplication. The inoculated cell cultures tested positive after 5 to 34 days and two cell lines were positive after two transfers but D. citri cell cultures were not stable enough and were lost (along with the LAS detection) after those 2 transfers. After 5 months of growth in our lab and several passages, at least one of the D. citri line looks stable enough to start new primocultures. So we now have three different insect cells that succeeded in getting a LAS primocultures (Drosophila, Aedes, Diaphorina). While still working on getting improved growth of bacteria adjusting medium composition and culture conditions, we continue to test additional insect cells for our co-cultures. However, as soon as we are sure the culture is axenic we will start to fulfill Koch’s postulates by inoculation to healthy citrus via psyllids.



Diagnostic service for growers for detection of Huanglongbing to aid in management decisions

Report Date: 01/10/2010   Project: 170

Diagnostic service for growers for detection of Huanglongbing to aid in management decisions

Report Date: 01/10/2010
Project: 170
Category: CLas Bacteria
Author: Pamela Roberts
Sponsor: Citrus Research and Development Foundation

Diagnostic service for growers for detection of Huanglongbing to aid in management decisions, January 2011. The Huanglongbing (HLB) Diagnostic lab has been in service since February 1, 2008 and has processed more than 24,000 samples submitted from citrus producers, approximately 10,000 samples from researchers, and 1,000 samples from the Citrus Foundation screenhouse located at SWFREC for a total of more than 34,000 samples. During the time period of November and December 2010, more than 900 samples were received and processed. of Growers, extension personnel, and researchers from around the state are utilizing this service. The diagnostic testing is now being utilized to to an increasing number of producers throughout all of the citrus producing counties in Florida. The lab has received samples from growers throughout Florida, with the highest number of samples received from Collier, Highlands, Palm Beach, Polk, and Hendry counties. There is a slight seasonality to the sample submission volume with respect to harvesting and new growth (flushing) events. Last year, growers have submitted the most samples January-May. Approximately 2100 arrived from May through August 2010. From the currently accumulated data, the HLB lab has a 73% positive sample submission rate, and a 27% negative submission. We are heading into the busiest part of the year now for the lab. As previously reported, the methodology is briefly: samples are processed using USDA guidelines for HLB detection (Anonymous, 2007) and results are typically available within two weeks of submission. The HLB Diagnostic lab currently has two full-time dedicated employees and three part-time employees responsible for logging in samples, performing the diagnostic assays, and sending reports on the results. The testing procedure employs amplification of specific regions of the pathogen’s DNA sequence and detection in real-time by use of a PCR machine designed for this application. This test is both equipment and personnel intensive. In addition, expendable lab equipment and reagents are consumed in performing the test. The specific methodology used in this laboratory is described in ‘Real-time PCR for diagnostic detection of citrus greening or HLB (Huanglongbing) from plant samples’, USDA, APHIS, PPQ, CPHST. DNC WI-B-T-D-2 (Anonymous. 2007). These disease detection rates are not directly indicative of the actual overall field disease levels for HLB since scouting and field sampling are usually selective. The lab also provides support to on-going research and extension programs at University of Florida. To support research, the HLB Laboratory extended its capabilities to include the detection of the bacterium Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus the causal organism of the citrus disease huanglongbing (HLB) in the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri. Detection has been carried out in approximately 555 samples. In addition to detection, quantification of the bacterial load has been carried out in 387of the 555 samples. Samples comprise of individual adult and fifth instars nymphs or groups of first to fourth instars nymphs. We also have quantification of bacterial load in plant tissue protocol validated for use in field research projects.