BIOLOGICAL, CULTURAL, GENETIC, AND CHEMICAL CONTROL OF PIERCES DISEASE: XYLEM FLUID CHEMISTRY MEDIATION OF RESISTANCE TO PIERCES DISEASE

• Author(s): Andersen, Peter;
• Abstract: The influence of xylem chemistry on the establishment, colonization and movement of Xylella fastidiosa (Xf) can be tested at various levels. The chemistry of xylem fluid is relatively simple compared to other plant tissues. Xylem fluid consists of over 98% water, and the major chemical entities monomeric (amino acids, organic acids and sugars) and inorganic ions. Few secondary compounds are present in appreciable quantities in xylem fluid, although peroxidases are often detected in low concentration. We feel the contribution of plant nutrient status is an undervalued component of plant resistance. Some research areas that we hope to make contributions including: 1) to define the chemical basis of establishment, multiplication and spread of Xf in grape genotypes and other plant species; 2) the creation the development of a vastly simplified chemically defined medium; 3) the elucidation of factors that promote Xf aggregation and biofilm formation; 4) the determination of the antibacterial properties of lytic peptides; 5) the determination of the presence of peroxidases in xylem fluid and to establish the promotion/inhibition of Xf in vitro.
• Publication Date: Dec 2002
• Journal: 2002 Pierce's Disease Research Symposium