Scholarlink

<p><i>Philaenus spumarius</i> is the primary vector of the quarantine plant pathogen <i>Xylella fastidiosa</i> in Europe and is responsible for the devastating Olive Quick Decline Syndrome outbreak in Southern Italy. Despite its importance, little is known about its natural viral community, which could offer novel and sustainable strategies for vector control. In this three-year study, we conducted the first comprehensive characterization of the viral community of <i>P. spumarius</i> from multiple ecologically diverse European sites, including <i>X. fastidiosa</i>-affected areas in Southern Italy. Deep transcriptomic sequencing of 209 field-collected individuals pooled into 11 RNA-seq libraries revealed the presence of 26 RNA viruses. Our findings revealed a rich and structured viral community in populations from Northern Italy and France, contrasting sharply with the reduced viral diversity observed in populations from Southern Italy, where most individuals were virus-free. Temporal comparisons revealed recurrent virus–host associations over the years, and laboratory rearing provided initial insights into viral persistence and transmission dynamics. Although none of the detected viruses caused overt signs of mortality or sterility, their potential sublethal effects and ecological interactions remain unexplored. This study lays the groundwork for future research on the functional roles of insect-associated viruses and emphasizes their potential for developing sustainable, environmentally friendly approaches to managing vectors and reducing the impact of <i>X. fastidiosa</i> on European agriculture.</p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

Diversity and persistence of the RNA virome of Philaenus spumarius, the European vector of Xylella fastidiosa

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

    开放获取

  • 发表日期：

    2025年12月24日

查看全文
  • Sara Ottati,
  • Luciana Galetto,
  • Francesco Volpe,
  • Nicola Bodino,
  • Cristina Marzachí,
  • Domenico Bosco,
  • Simona Abbá

摘要

Philaenus spumarius is the primary vector of the quarantine plant pathogen Xylella fastidiosa in Europe and is responsible for the devastating Olive Quick Decline Syndrome outbreak in Southern Italy. Despite its importance, little is known about its natural viral community, which could offer novel and sustainable strategies for vector control. In this three-year study, we conducted the first comprehensive characterization of the viral community of P. spumarius from multiple ecologically diverse European sites, including X. fastidiosa-affected areas in Southern Italy. Deep transcriptomic sequencing of 209 field-collected individuals pooled into 11 RNA-seq libraries revealed the presence of 26 RNA viruses. Our findings revealed a rich and structured viral community in populations from Northern Italy and France, contrasting sharply with the reduced viral diversity observed in populations from Southern Italy, where most individuals were virus-free. Temporal comparisons revealed recurrent virus–host associations over the years, and laboratory rearing provided initial insights into viral persistence and transmission dynamics. Although none of the detected viruses caused overt signs of mortality or sterility, their potential sublethal effects and ecological interactions remain unexplored. This study lays the groundwork for future research on the functional roles of insect-associated viruses and emphasizes their potential for developing sustainable, environmentally friendly approaches to managing vectors and reducing the impact of X. fastidiosa on European agriculture.