Investigation on maternal transmission of the bacteria Pantoea agglomerans by grape phylloxera ( Daktulosphaira vitifoliae Fitch).

摘要

Only recently Pantoea agglomerans has been found in adults and eggs of leaf-galling populations. The way insect-associated bacteria are transmitted provides some knowledge about the strength of the interaction. So far, however, no information on the transmission or acquisition mode of P. agglomerans by phylloxera are available. Therefore, our study aimed to investigate the occurrence and maternal transmission of this bacterium. A methodology for surface sterilization of phylloxera eggs and adults is reported. Making use of a highly sensitive methodology P. agglomerans could be detected in very low concentrations (up to 100 cfu/ml). The results suggest that P. agglomerans colonizes the aphid surface but is not viable inside grape phylloxera neither is it transmitted via the mother aphid to the progeny.