Distribution and dynamic changes of Huanglongbing pathogen in its insect vector Diaphorina citri

Abstract

The Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) Diaphorina citri Kuwayama is the leading vector of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas), the causative agent of citrus Huanglongbing (HLB) disease. The distribution and dynamics of CLas within ACP are critical to understanding how the transmission, spread and infection of CLas occurs within its host vector in nature. In this study, the distribution and titer changes of CLas in various tissues of ACP 5th instar nymphs and adults were examined by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) techniques. Results demonstrated that 100% of ACP 5th instar nymphs and adults were infected with CLas following feeding on infected plants, and that CLas had widespread distribution in most of the tissues of ACP. The titers of CLas within the midgut, salivary glands and hemolymph tissues were the highest in both 5th instar nymphs and adults. When compared with adults, the titers of CLas in these three tissues of 5th instar nymphs were significantly higher, while in the mycetome, ovary and testes they were significantly lower than those of adults. FISH visualization further confirmed these findings. Dynamic analysis of CLas demonstrated that it was present across all the developmental ages of ACP adults. There was a discernible upward trend in the presence of CLas with advancing age in most tissues of ACP adults, including the midgut, hemolymph, salivary glands, foot, head, cuticula and muscle. Our findings have significant implications for the comprehensive understanding of the transmission, dissemination and infestation of CLas, which is of much importance for developing novel strategies to halt the spread of CLas, and therefore contribute to the efficient prevention and control of HLB.