ARS | Publication request: The Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter Vector of Xylella fastidiosa Harbors a Phytoreovirus

Submitted to: American Phytopathological Society Annual Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: May 1, 2009
Publication Date: June 1, 2009
Citation: Stenger, D.C., Sisterson, M.S., Krugner, R., Backus, E.A., Hunter, W.B. 2009. The Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter Vector of Xylella fastidiosa Harbors a Phytoreovirus. American Phytopathological Society Annual Meeting, Portland, OR. (07/09). Phytopathology 99: S124.

Technical Abstract: The glassy-winged sharpshooter (GWSS) vector of Xylella fastidiosa harbors a phytoreovirus species designated as Homalodisca vitripennis reovirus (HoVRV). Double-shelled isometric virus particles purified from GWSS adults resembled those observed in thin sections of GWSS salivary glands by transmission electron microscopy. Complete nucleotide sequences determined for 12 dsRNA segments indicated that HoVRV is a distinct virus species most closely related to the phytoreovirus Rice dwarf virus (RDV). Terminal nucleotide sequences of HoVRV positive-sense RNAs were similar to other phytoreoviruses with adjacent imperfect inverted repeats potentially able to base pair. Phylogenetic analyses confirmed placement of HoVRV in the genus Phytoreovirus sharing a most recent common ancestor with RDV. High yields of dsRNA recovered from individual GWSS adults indicated that HoVRV may replicate to high titer in the insect. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction assays revealed that HoVRV infection of GWSS in California and the Carolinas was common. Currently, GWSS is the only known host of HoVRV; no plant host has been identified.