Biology subjects

Streito, J.-C.

Publications and source records attributed to Streito, J.-C..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2024

Insect-habitat-plant interaction networks provide guidelines to mitigate the risk of transmission of Xylella fastidiosa to grapevine in Southern France

O_LIXylella fastidiosa (Xf) is a xylem-limited bacterium that has been recorded in several European countries since its detection in 2013 in Apulia (Italy). Given the prominence of the wine industry in many southern European countries, a big threat is the development of Pierces disease in grapevines. Yet, the insect-habitat and insect-plant interaction networks in which xylem feeders, possible vectors of Xf, are involved around European vineyards are largely unknown. C_LIO_LIHere we describe these networks in three important wine-growing regions of southern France (Provence-Alpes-Cote dAzur, Occitanie, Nouvelle-Aquitaine) to identify the main source habitats of xylem feeders, and to gather information about their specialization degree at the habitat, plant family, and plant species levels. A total of 92 landscapes (and 700 sites) were studied over three sampling sessions in the fall 2020, the spring 2021, and the fall 2021. C_LIO_LIAmong the habitats sampled, meadows hosted the largest xylem feeder communities, followed by alfalfa fields. Vineyard headlands and inter-rows hosted slightly smaller xylem feeder communities, indicating that potential Xf vectors were thriving in the close vicinity of vulnerable plants. Finally woody habitats in general and grapevines in particular hosted very few xylem feeders, showing that transfer on vulnerable plants are rare, but not inexistent. In terms of specialization degrees, Philaenus spumarius, Aphrophora alni, Lepyronia coleoptrata, and Cicadella viridis were all similarly generalists at the habitat, plant family or plant species level. The only specialist was Aphrophora grp. salicina, which was restricted to riparian forests, and more specifically to Salicaceae. Neophilaenus spp. were extremely specialist at the plant family level (Poaceae), but rather generalist at the habitat and plant species levels. All 1017 insects screened for the presence of Xf tested negative, showing that Xf is not widespread in the studied regions. C_LIO_LIOur study provides new basic ecological information on potential vectors of Xf, especially on their specialization and feeding preferences, as well as practical information that may be relevant for the design of epidemiological surveillance plans. C_LI

ecology↗

bioRxiv2018

Climate change and the potential distribution of Xylella fastidiosa in Europe

The bacterium Xylella fastidiosa (Xf) is a plant endophyte native to the Americas that causes worldwide concern. Xf has been recently detected in several regions outside its natural range including Europe. In that context, accurate estimates of its response to climate change are required to design cost-efficient and environment-friendly control strategies. In the present study, we collected data documenting the native and invaded ranges of the three main subspecies of Xf: fastidiosa, pauca and multiplex, as well as two strains of Xf subsp. multiplex recently detected in southern France (ST6 and ST7). We fitted bioclimatic species distribution models (SDMs) to forecast their potential geographic range and impact in Europe under current and future climate conditions. According to model predictions, the geographical range of Xf as presently reported in Europe is small compared to the large extent of suitable areas. The European regions most threatened by Xf encompass the Mediterranean coastal areas of Spain, Greece, Italy and France, the Atlantic coastal areas of France, Portugal and Spain as well as the south-western regions of Spain and lowlands in southern Italy. Potential distribution of the different subspecies / strains are contrasted but all are predicted to increase by 2050, which could threaten several of the most economically important wine-, olive- and fruit-producing regions of Europe, warranting the design of control strategies. Bioclimatic models also predict that the subspecies multiplex might represent a threat to most of Europe under current and future climate conditions. These results may serve as a basis for future design of a spatially informed European-scale integrated management strategy, including early detection surveys in plants and insect vectors, quarantine measures as well as agricultural practices.

ecology↗

bioRxiv2018

Using insects to detect, monitor and predict the distribution of Xylella fastidiosa: a case study in Corsica

We sampled ca 2500 specimens of Philaenus spumarius throughout Corsica without a priori on the presence of symptoms on plants. We screened 448 specimens for the presence of Xylella fastidiosa (Xf) using qPCR and a custom nested PCR. qPCR appeared versatile and under-estimated the prevalence of Xf. Nested PCR showed that Xf was present in all populations. Molecular results were validated by prediction on the distribution of Xf made from tests conducted on plants, which shows the pertinence of using vectors in risk assessment studies. Xf was detected in tenerals and adults. Thus, P. spumarius could acquire Xf from its host plant, mostly Cistus monspeliensis in Corsica, which may act as reservoir for the next season. This contrasts with other observations and suggests that management strategies may have to be adapted on a case-by-case basis. At least two genetic entities and several variants of Xf not yet identified on plants were present in the insects, which suggests ancient introductions of Xf and a probable underestimation of the current diversity of the strains present in Corsica. Interestingly 6% of the specimens carried two subspecies. Studies are wanted to better characterize the strains present in Corsica and know how the disease was introduced, spread and why no sign of a potential epidemic was detected earlier. This study shows that, when sensitive enough methods are implemented, insects can be used to predict and better assess the exact distribution of Xf. Insects are indeed easy to collect, Xf multiply only in their foregut and does not become circulative, which facilitates its detection.\n\nKey messageO_LIInsect vectors can be used to detect, monitor and predict the distribution of Xylella fastidiosa\nC_LIO_LIThe widely used qPCR approach is not sensitive enough to detect low bacterial load\nC_LIO_LIDifferent strains/subspecies of Xf are widely distributed in Corsica which suggests old introduction(s)\nC_LIO_LIStrategies to manage Xf may need to be set up on a case-by-case basis\nC_LIO_LIThere is an urgent need to take stock of the situation in Europe to avoid unnecessary economic pressure on certain geographical areas and agricultural sectors.\nC_LI

ecology↗