Studies on the Infection, Colonization, and Movement of Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae in Kiwifruit Tissues Using a GFPuv-Labeled Strain

PLoS One. 2016 Mar 21;11(3):e0151169. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0151169. eCollection 2016.

Abstract

Kiwifruit bacterial canker, an economically important disease caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae (Psa), has caused severe losses in all major areas of kiwifruit cultivation. Using a GFPuv-labeled strain of Psa, we monitored the invasion, colonization, and movement of the pathogen in kiwifruit twigs, leaves and veins. The pathogen can invade twigs through both wounds and natural openings; the highest number of Psa is obtained in cut tissues. We determined that, following spray inoculation, Psa-GFPuv could infect leaves and cause lesions in the presence and absence of wounds. Light and transmission electron microscopic observations showed that bacterial cells colonize both phloem and xylem vessels. Bacterial infection resulted in marked alterations of host tissues including the disintegration of organelles and degeneration of protoplasts and cell walls. Furthermore, low temperature was conducive to colonization and movement of Psa-GFPuv in kiwifruit tissues. Indeed, the pathogen migrated faster at 4°C than at 16°C or 25°C in twigs. However, the optimum temperature for colonization and movement of Psa in leaf veins was 16°C. Our results, revealing a better understanding of the Psa infection process, might contribute to develop more efficacious disease management strategies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Actinidia / cytology
  • Actinidia / microbiology*
  • Actinidia / ultrastructure
  • Colony Count, Microbial
  • Fruit / cytology
  • Fruit / microbiology*
  • Fruit / ultrastructure
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / metabolism*
  • Movement
  • Plant Leaves / microbiology
  • Pseudomonas syringae / growth & development*
  • Temperature

Substances

  • Green Fluorescent Proteins

Grants and funding

This study was supported by the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities of China (No. QN2013007), Natural Science Basic Research Plan in Shaanxi Province of China (No. 2014JQ2-3011), and the 111 project from the Education Ministry of China (No. B07049).