Abstract
Knowledge about the mechanism of transmission of systemic pathogens of citrus species is highly important for the safe movement of citrus germplasm, management of citrus mother trees, and also production of young plants. Among systemic pathogens of citrus, Xylella fastidiosa the causal agent of the citrus variegated chlorosis (CVC), is one the most important pathogens causing decline in tree vigour and productivity. Seven-year experiments were conducted to evaluate the hypothesis of seed-to-seedling transmission of X. fastidiosa. This bacterium was found colonizing the fruit (exocarp, central axis and mesocarp) and the seed parts (seed coat and endosperm plus embryo). After 7 years of PCR assay, no positive PCR detection of X. fastidiosa was confirmed in seedlings propagated from the seeds infected with X. fastidiosa. This result demonstrates the lack of seed-to-seedling transmission of this bacterium.
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We thank our lab colleagues and reviewers for constructive suggestions and discussions. HDCF and MAC thanks to CNPq for the scholarship support.
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Coletta-Filho, H.D., Carvalho, S.A., Silva, L.F.C. et al. Seven years of negative detection results confirm that Xylella fastidiosa, the causal agent of CVC, is not transmitted from seeds to seedlings. Eur J Plant Pathol 139, 593–596 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10658-014-0415-8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10658-014-0415-8