烟粉虱内共生菌Rickettsia在植物体内的形态及动态变化

[目的]通过研究烟粉虱Bemisia tabaci取食传入植物体内的昆虫内共生菌种类,探明其在不同植物中的分布形态及时空动态.[方法]以B型烟粉虱、棉花、番茄、豇豆为实验材料,利用常规PCR检测烟粉虱取食后传入植物体内的共生菌种类;利用透射电镜(Transmission electron microscope,TEM)检测Rickettsia传入植物后的分布及形态;利用q-PCR技术检测豇豆叶片中Rickettsia含量的动态变化.[结果]B型烟粉虱体内含有原生共生菌P0rtiera、次生共生菌Ricfettsia,Hamiltonella和Hemipteriphilus,但只检测到Rickettsia可经烟粉虱传入棉花、番茄、豇豆植物体内,并可在植物体内存活、转移.在3种植物体内Rickettsia均分布于叶片韧皮部的筛管细胞中.烟粉虱、棉花、番茄组织内的Rickettsia形态基本一致,但豇豆中Rickettsia在形态上较小而钝圆.相同数量的烟粉虱取食,在豇豆体内最先检测到Rickettsia.随着烟粉虱取食时间的增加,豇豆体内的Rickettsia含量先增加后下降;而当无烟粉虱持续取食时,一定时间段内豇豆体内的Rickettsia先下降再小幅度上升,并可以在一定时间内保持不变.基于16S rDNA序列的系统发育分析表明,传入棉花、番茄、豇豆叶片中的Rickettsia与B型烟粉虱体内的Rickettsia高度同源.[结论]Rickettsia可经烟粉虱取食传入植物体内,分布并存活于韧皮部的筛管细胞中,并可在植物不同叶片之间转移;在不同植物宿主中,Rickettsia的形态会发生轻微变化;烟粉虱对Rickettsia的传播效率受到植物种类的影响.     

烟粉虱及其优势寄生蜂内共生菌的种类及系统发育分析

为了研究入侵我国的2个主要烟粉虱隐种Bemisia tabaci MEAM1和MED及其3种优势寄生蜂(浅黄恩蚜小蜂Encarsia sophia、丽蚜小蜂E.formosa、海氏桨角蚜小蜂Eretmocerus hayati)体内感染内共生菌的种类丰度,并进一步探讨其系统发育关系,本文利用分子生物学手段对昆虫体内细菌的16S rRNA基因序列进行扩增、测序和分析,并采用邻接法(Neighbor-Joining,NJ)和最大似然法(MaximumLikehood,ML)分别构建优势内共生菌的系统发育树。结果表明,烟粉虱2个隐种内共生菌的种类丰度大于其3种优势寄生蜂,3种优势寄生蜂中丽蚜小蜂内共生菌的种类丰度最高;同源性分析发现烟粉虱和寄生蜂所携带的Rickettsia基因同源性达到99%,属于Rickettsia bellii种,进一步的进化树分析也发现所研究物种的Rickettsia和Hamiltonella均可各自聚为同一进化分支。烟粉虱及其优势寄生蜂体内含有种类丰富的内共生菌,其中优势内共生菌Rickettsia和Hamiltonella各自亲缘关系很近,说明内共生菌在烟粉虱和寄生蜂间可能进行水平传播。     

烟粉虱内共生菌16S rDNA的特性研究

对烟粉虱内共生菌16SrDNA的酶切结果及部分生物体16SrDNA的(G C)%分析结果表明:烟粉虱初生内共生菌的16SrDNA能够被EcoRI酶切成两个片段、而不能够分别被BamHI与SacI酶切;烟粉虱次生内共生菌的16SrDNA没有BamHI内切酶位点、而能够分别被EcoRI或Sac I酶切成大小不同的两个片段。(G C)mol%与菌的分类地位有关,同时还与菌的可培养能力有关。Proteobacteriaγ亚纲的烟粉虱初生内共生菌与α亚纲的Rickettsia、线粒体的16SrDNA相似,富含(A T)mol%,具低的(G C)mol%。而γ亚纲的次生内共生菌及大肠杆菌与β亚纲的mealybugs初生内共生菌的16SrDNA相似,富含(G C)mol%。说明初生内共生菌可能与烟粉虱同时发生,并且形成一种非常紧密的共生关系,次生内共生菌与烟粉虱关系松散一些,其特性近似于自由生活的细菌,更有可能获得纯培养体。16SrDNA的系统进化树表明,烟粉虱次生内共生菌属于Proteobacteriaγ-3亚纲,而初生内共生菌属于Proteobacteriaγ亚纲的另一分支。     

烟粉虱内共生菌16S rDNA的变异与系统发生

对 5年连续饲养在不同种寄主植物上的B型烟粉虱北京种群的内共生菌 1 6SrDNA基因进行了PCR扩增和测序。结合已知序列 ,构建了不同寄主植物烟粉虱初生内共生菌约 1 0 0 0bp的 1 6SrDNA及次生内共生菌约1 2 5 0bp的 1 6SrDNA的分子系统树。结果表明 ,中国北京不同寄主植物的B型烟粉虱内共生菌及世界其它地区烟粉虱内共生菌可能是同一种的不同生态型 ,内共生菌在其宿主分化后进行了选择 ,之后与其宿主长期共同进化、共同适应 ,为宿主对不同生境的适应提供了一定的基础     

利福平与高温对Cardinium的灭活效果及其对烟粉虱寄主发育与繁殖的影响

共生菌Cardinium是烟粉虱Bemisia tabaci体内的一种内共生细菌,对烟粉虱的生物学特性有着重要的影响。本文利用PCR技术,首先对两种入侵的B、Q生物型以及一种本土的Cv生物型烟粉虱种群体内Cardinium的感染率进行了检测,研究了不同浓度的利福平抗生素与高温处理对Q型烟粉虱体内的Cardinium的灭活情况;进一步比较了Cardinium阳性与阴性Q型烟粉虱种群在发育、存活与繁殖等方面的差异。研究结果表明,生物型不同,其体内Cardinium的感染率也存在显著差异;B、Q和Cv型烟粉虱Cardinium的感染率分别为26.7%、91.6%与82.9%。三种浓度的利福平蔗糖溶液(0.5、1.0与2.0 mg/m L)对Q型烟粉虱体内Cardinium的灭活效果不同,考虑到灭活效果及对烟粉虱生命力的影响,以1.0 mg/m L的浓度连续饲喂7 d以上的灭活效果最佳;高温36-40℃连续处理3-9 d均不能去除Q型烟粉虱体内的Cardinium。与Cardinium阳性的烟粉虱种群相比,阴性的Q型烟粉虱种群发育延迟,世代存活率降低,后代雄性比例增加,单雌产卵量减少。研究结果对于全面了解Cardinium共生菌与烟粉虱之间的互作关系具有重要的价值。     

烟粉虱内共生菌Rickettsia在植物体内的分布及转移效率初探

【目的】检测Q型烟粉虱Bemisia tabaci(Gennadius)体内Rickettsia的感染情况,研究分析Rickettsia共生菌经烟粉虱传入豇豆植物后的分布、转移效率等。【方法】以Q型烟粉虱为实验材料,利用常规PCR及荧光原位杂交技术(FISH),检测了烟粉虱体内Rickettsia的感染率,以及Rickettsia传入豇豆植物体内后的存留情况。【结果】Q型烟粉虱可以通过取食将Rickettsia传至豇豆植株内;接虫数量与Rickettsia传入效率及其在取食部位相邻的下部叶片中检测到的起始时间呈负相关;Rickettsia经烟粉虱取食传入豇豆叶片后,集中分布在叶片的韧皮部筛管中;基于16S r RNA的系统发育分析结果表明,Q型烟粉虱体内的Rickettsia与经取食传入豇豆叶片的Rickettsia高度同源。【结论】Rickettsia可以通过烟粉虱的取食传入植物体内,并且可以在相邻叶片之间转移传播,Rickettsia在由寄主昆虫向植株传播过程中高度保守。     

一种含特异性侵染内共生菌Rickettisa massilia的烟粉虱种群建立方法

【目的】烟粉虱Bemisia tabaci(Gennadaius)广泛分布于全球除南极洲外各大洲的90多个国家和地区,其寄主范围广,危害严重,属于农业上的重要害虫。烟粉虱体内的内共生菌有助于其扩散传播,提高其寄主适合度,但其体内的内共生菌大都为次生内共生菌,很难进行体外培养,因此,加大了其内共生菌研究的难度。【方法】采集我国部分地区的烟粉虱种群,然后利用基于mt DNA COⅠ基因的种特异性引物进行种群生物型鉴定,再用内共生菌的特异性引物来鉴定含有特异性侵染内共生菌种群,确定个体含内生菌类型后,采取继代饲养方法建立种群。【结果】经鉴定烟粉虱的生物型为Q型(MED隐种),经过5代种群筛选后,可以建立稳定遗传的含特异性侵染内共生菌Rickettisa massilia菌的烟粉虱种群。【结论】通过本方法可以获得稳定的含有特异性侵染内共生菌Rickettisa massilia菌的烟粉虱种群。该方法对研究烟粉虱与体内内共生菌、植物三者之间以及烟粉虱体内某几种内共生菌之间的互作有重要意义,同时也为明确烟粉虱体内Rickettisa菌的作用研究打下基础。     

一种含特异性侵染内共生菌Rickettisa massilia的烟粉虱种群建立方法

【目的】烟粉虱Bemisia tabaci(Gennadaius)广泛分布于全球除南极洲外各大洲的90多个国家和地区,其寄主范围广,危害严重,属于农业上的重要害虫。烟粉虱体内的内共生菌有助于其扩散传播,提高其寄主适合度,但其体内的内共生菌大都为次生内共生菌,很难进行体外培养,因此,加大了其内共生菌研究的难度。【方法】采集我国部分地区的烟粉虱种群,然后利用基于mt DNA COⅠ基因的种特异性引物进行种群生物型鉴定,再用内共生菌的特异性引物来鉴定含有特异性侵染内共生菌种群,确定个体含内生菌类型后,采取继代饲养方法建立种群。【结果】经鉴定烟粉虱的生物型为Q型(MED隐种),经过5代种群筛选后,可以建立稳定遗传的含特异性侵染内共生菌Rickettisa massilia菌的烟粉虱种群。【结论】通过本方法可以获得稳定的含有特异性侵染内共生菌Rickettisa massilia菌的烟粉虱种群。该方法对研究烟粉虱与体内内共生菌、植物三者之间以及烟粉虱体内某几种内共生菌之间的互作有重要意义,同时也为明确烟粉虱体内Rickettisa菌的作用研究打下基础。     

烟粉虱内共生菌 Rickettsia 在植物体内的分布及转移效率初探

【目的】检测 Q 型烟粉虱 Bemisia tabaci （Gennadius）体内 Rickettsia 的感染情况,研究分析Rickettsia 共生菌经烟粉虱传入豇豆植物后的分布、转移效率等。【方法】以 Q 型烟粉虱为实验材料,利用常规 PCR 及荧光原位杂交技术(FISH),检测了烟粉虱体内 Rickettsia 的感染率,以及 Rickettsia 传入豇豆植物体内后的存留情况。【结果】 Q 型烟粉虱可以通过取食将 Rickettsia 传至豇豆植株内;接虫数量与 Rickettsia传入效率及其在取食部位相邻的下部叶片中检测到的起始时间呈负相关;Rickettsia 经烟粉虱取食传入豇豆叶片后,集中分布在叶片的韧皮部筛管中;基于16S rRNA 的系统发育分析结果表明,Q 型烟粉虱体内的Rickettsia 与经取食传入豇豆叶片的 Rickettsia 高度同源。【结论】 Rickettsia 可以通过烟粉虱的取食传入植物体内,并且可以在相邻叶片之间转移传播,Rickettsia 在由寄主昆虫向植株传播过程中高度保守。     

不同寄主植物上烟粉虱次生共生菌感染与性比相关性

【目的】烟粉虱Bemisia tabaci(Gennadius)体内次生共生菌感染受寄主植物的影响,一些共生菌会引起害虫的雌性化,明确田间不同寄主植物上害虫种群中共生菌与性比的相关性,可有利于进一步了解烟粉虱田间种群暴发机制。【方法】采集田间不同寄主植物上烟粉虱成虫,观察其性比,并对其中次生共生菌进行分子检测,分析共生菌携带率与性比相关性。【结果】江苏南京地区棉花、番茄、黄瓜和红薯4种寄主植物上烟粉虱次生共生菌Hamiltonella和Rickettsia感染均存在显著差异,其中Hamiltonella为优势共生菌,感染率依次为:棉花>黄瓜>番茄>红薯。寄主植物间Wolbachia和Cardinium的感染率均无显著差异。各寄主植物上烟粉虱雌性比均高于60%,其中黄瓜上高达75.6%,但不同寄主植物间无显著差异。进一步分析表明,Hamiltonella和Rickettsia感染率均与烟粉虱雌性比呈显著的二次多项式相关性。当Hamiltonella和Rickettsia感染率分别低于69%和5%时,随着感染率提高,烟粉虱雌性比上升,当感染率高于上述值时,则随着感染率增加,雌性比下降。【结论】棉花、番茄、黄瓜和红薯4种寄主植物上烟粉虱均表现出雌性化,但不同寄主植物间性比无差异,烟粉虱体内次生共生菌与性比存在相关性。     

Biotype-dependent secondary symbiont communities in sympatric populations of Bemisia tabaci

The sweet potato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci, harbors Portiera aleyrodidarum, an obligatory symbiotic bacterium, as well as several secondary symbionts including Rickettsia, Hamiltonella, Wolbachia, Arsenophonus, Cardinium and Fritschea, the function of which is unknown. Bemisia tabaci is a species complex composed of numerous biotypes, which may differ from each other both genetically and biologically. Only the B and Q biotypes have been reported from Israel. Secondary symbiont infection frequencies of Israeli laboratory and field populations of B. tabaci from various host plants were determined by PCR, in order to test for correlation between bacterial composition to biotype and host plant. Hamiltonella was detected only in populations of the B biotype, while Wolbachia and Arsenophonus were found only in the Q biotype (33% and 87% infection, respectively). Rickettsia was abundant in both biotypes. Cardinium and Fritschea were not found in any of the populations. No differences in secondary symbionts were found among host plants within the B biotype; but within the Q biotype, all whiteflies collected from sage harboured both Rickettsia and Arsenophonus, an infection frequency which was significantly higher than those found in association with all other host plants. The association found between whitefly biotypes and secondary symbionts suggests a possible contribution of these bacteria to host characteristics such as insecticide resistance, host range, virus transmission and speciation.     

Factors affecting population dynamics of maternally transmitted endosymbionts in Bemisia tabaci

While every individual of Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) harbors the primary symbiont (P-symbiont) Portiera, the infection frequencies of the six secondary symbionts (S-symbionts) including Hamiltonella, Arsenophonus, Cardinium, Wolbachia, Rickettsia and Fritschea vary greatly among different populations. To characterize the factors influencing the infection dynamics of the six S-symbionts in B. tabaci, gene-specific PCR were conducted to screen for the presence of the P-symbiont Portiera and the six S-symbionts in 61 (17 B and 44 Q biotypes) field populations collected from different plant species and locations in China. All individuals of the 61 populations hosted the P-symbiont Portiera, but none of them harbored Arsenophonus and Fritschea. The presence and infection rates of Hamiltonella, Cardinium, Rickettsia, Wolbachia and their co-infections Rickettsia + Hamiltonella (RH), Rickettsia + Cardinium (RC), Hamiltonella + Cardinium (HC) and Rickettsia + Hamiltonella + Cardinium (RHC) varied significantly among the 61 field populations; and the observed variations can be explained by biotypes, sexes, host plants and geographical locations of these field populations. Taken together, at least three factors including biotype, host plant and geographical location affect the infection dynamics of S-symbionts in B. tabaci.     

Further insights into the strange role of bacterial endosymbionts in whitefly, Bemisia tabaci: comparison of secondary symbionts from biotypes B and Q in China

The percentage infection of secondary symbionts (SS) (Wolbachia, Arsenophonus, Rickettsia, Hamiltonella, Fritschea and Cardinium) in the exotic Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) invaders, commonly known as biotypes B and Q from China, were determined by PCR. In total, 373 biotype B and 1830 biotype Q individuals were screened for the presence of SS. Biotype B was more abundant than biotype Q from 2005 to 2006, and biotype Q was more abundant from 2007 to 2009. Each of the SS, with the exception of Fritschea, was detected in both biotypes B and Q; Fritschea was found in none of the samples examined. For biotype B, the percentage infection of Hamiltonella was the highest (92.0%) followed by Rickettsia (70.2%). For biotype Q, the percentage infection of Hamiltonella was again the highest (73.3%). Arsenophonus was the least common of the SS observed in both biotypes B and Q. The percentage infection of Wolbachia, Rickettsia and Hamiltonella in biotype B was each significantly higher than in biotype Q, whereas the percentage infection of Cardinium in biotype B was significantly lower than in biotype Q. The percentage infection of SS in biotypes B and Q varied from year to year over the period 2005-2009. Furthermore, within biotype Q, two distinct subgroups were identified which differ from each other in terms of their SS complement. We discuss these results in the light of the potentially influential factors and roles of the SS.     

Prevalence of Endosymbionts in Bemisia tabaci Populations and Their In Vivo Sensitivity to Antibiotics

Bemisia tabaci can harbor both primary and secondary endosymbionts, and the specific endosymbionts can differ among different B. tabaci biotypes. This study determined (1) the prevalence of the primary endosymbiont Portiera aleyrodidarum and secondary endosymbionts Arsenophonus and Wolbachia in two invasive biotypes (B and Q) and one indigenous biotype (Cv) in China and (2) the in vivo effect of three antibiotics (tetracycline, ampicillin trihydrate, and rifampicin) against the endosymbionts; if an antibiotic substantially inhibits an endosymbiont, it could be used to determine the effect of that endosymbiont on B. tabaci. P. aleyrodidarum and Wolbachia were detected in all the three biotypes, while Arsenophonus was found only in the Q and Cv biotypes. P. aleyrodidarum was found in all tested individuals of the three biotypes. Infection rates of Wolbachia in the B, Cv, and Q biotypes were 58, 68, and 48%, respectively. The infection rate of Arsenophonus was 44% in the Q biotype but only 22% in the Cv biotype. The antibiotics failed to eliminate P. aleyrodidarum from any individual of the B, Cv, and Q biotypes but eliminated the secondary endosymbionts, Arsenophonus and Wolbachia, from 50 to 80% of the adult B. tabaci. The effect of the antibiotics depended on the species of endosymbiont, the antibiotic, the B. tabaci biotype, and various interactions between these factors. When used against Arsenophonus, the efficiency of rifampicin was better than ampicillin and tetracycline, regardless of B. tabaci biotype. When inactivating Wolbachia in Cv and Q biotypes, the efficiency tetracycline was better than ampicillin and rifampicin, and while the efficiency of tetracycline was better than rifampicin and ampicillin when they were used against Wolbachia in B biotype.     

Symbiont diversity and non-random hybridization among indigenous (Ms) and invasive (B) biotypes of Bemisia tabaci

The whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) is a worldwide pest and a vector of numerous plant viruses. B. tabaci is composed of dozens of morphologically indistinguishable biotypes and its taxonomic status is still controversial. This phloem-feeder harbours the primary symbiont Portiera aleyrodidarum and potentially six secondary symbionts: Cardinium, Arsenophonus, Hamiltonella, Rickettsia, Wolbachia and Fritschea. In the southwest Indian Ocean, La Réunion hosts two biotypes of this species: B (invasive) and Ms (indigenous). A multiplex PCR was developed to study the symbiont community of B. tabaci on La Réunion. Symbiont community prevalence and composition, host mitochondrial and nuclear genetic diversity, as well as host plant and localization, were described on field populations of La Réunion for B and Ms B. tabaci biotypes and their hybrids. A clear association between symbiotypes and biotypes was shown. Cardinium, Arsenophonus and Rickettsia were found in the Ms biotype (73.6%, 64.2% and 3.3%, respectively). Hamiltonella (exclusively) and Rickettsia were found in the B biotype (78% and 91.2%, respectively). Hybrids harboured all symbiotypes found in Ms and B populations, but with a higher prevalence of Ms symbiotypes than expected under random hybridization. An unexpected majority was Cardinium mono-infected (65.6%), and a striking minority (9%) harboured Cardinium/Arsenophonus. In the hybrids only, genetic diversity was linked to symbiotype. Among the hybrids, significant links were found between symbiotypes and: (i) mitochondrial COI sequences, i.e. maternal origin; and (ii) alleles of nuclear microsatellite loci, specific to either Ms or B parental biotype. Taken together, our results suggest that Cardinium and/or Arsenophonus may manipulate the reproduction of indigenous (Ms) with invasive (B) biotypes of Bemisia tabaci.     

Molecular characterization of Bemisia tabaci populations in Tunisia: genetic structure and evidence for multiple acquisition of secondary symbionts

A survey was conducted during 2009-2010 seasons to identify the distribution of Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) biotypes in Tunisia. The genetic affiliation of collected populations was determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-restriction fragment-length polymorphism (TaqI) of the mitochondrial cytochrom oxidase I (mtCOI) gene. Results, validated by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis, allowed the clustering of sampled sweetpotato whiteflies into B and Q biotypes. As B. tabaci harbors the obligatory bacterium Portiera aleyrodidarum, and a diverse array of secondary symbionts including Rickettsia, Hamiltonella, Wolbachia, Cardinium, Arsenophonus, and Fritschea, we report here the infectious status of Tunisian populations by secondary symbionts to find out a correlation between bacterial composition to biotype. The genetic variability and structure of B. tabaci populations in Tunisia was driven by analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) and the hypothesis of isolation by distance was explored. Selective neutrality and genetic haplotype network tests suggested that Tunisian sweetpotato whiteflies have been undergoing a potential expansion followed by gene flow restriction.     

Effects of antibiotics on fitness of the B biotype and a non-B biotype of the whitefly Bemisia tabaci

The whitefly, Bemisia tabaci Gennadius (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae), harbors primary and secondary endosymbionts. Previous research showed that the invasive B biotype and an indigenous non‐B biotype (named non‐B ZHJ‐1 population) of B. tabaci from Zhejiang, China, harbored different endosymbionts. To investigate the function of these endosymbionts in the two biotypes of B. tabaci, we fed adult whiteflies with three antibiotics, tetracycline, ampicillin trihydrate, and rifampicin, and evaluated the fitness of their offspring on cotton plants. These three antibiotics did not remove the primary endosymbiont Portiera aleyrodidarum but were capable of eliminating the secondary endosymbionts. In the B biotype, treatments of adults with tetracycline or ampicillin trihydrate accelerated development and increased the survival of their offspring, while treatment of adults with rifampicin significantly retarded the development of their offspring but did not affect their survival. In the non‐B ZHJ‐1 population, treatments of adults with tetracycline or ampicillin trihydrate also accelerated the development of their offspring but did not significantly affect their survival, while treatment of adults with rifampicin significantly retarded development and reduced the survival of their offspring. These results suggest that removal of some secondary endosymbionts and/or reduction of the primary endosymbiont from B. tabaci may produce both favorable and unfavorable effects on the fitness of the host insects.     

Arsenophonus GroEL Interacts with CLCuV and Is Localized in Midgut and Salivary Gland of Whitefly B. tabaci

Cotton leaf curl virus (CLCuV) (Gemininiviridae: Begomovirus) is the causative agent of leaf curl disease in cotton plants (Gossypium hirsutum). CLCuV is exclusively transmitted by the whitefly species B. tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Alerodidae). B. tabaci contains several biotypes which harbor dissimilar bacterial endo-symbiotic community. It is reported that these bacterial endosymbionts produce a 63 kDa chaperon GroEL protein which binds to geminivirus particles and protects them from rapid degradation in gut and haemolymph. In biotype B, GroEL protein of Hamiltonella has been shown to interact with Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV). The present study was initiated to find out whether endosymbionts of B. tabaci are similarly involved in CLCuV transmission in Sriganganagar (Rajasthan), an area endemic with cotton leaf curl disease. Biotype and endosymbiont diversity of B. tabaci were identified using MtCO1 and 16S rDNA genes respectively. Analysis of our results indicated that the collected B. tabaci population belong to AsiaII genetic group and harbor the primary endosymbiont Portiera and the secondary endosymbiont Arsenophonus. The GroEL proteins of Portiera and Arsenophonus were purified and in-vitro interaction studies were carried out using pull down and co-immunoprecipitation assays. In-vivo interaction was confirmed using yeast two hybrid system. In both in-vitro and in-vivo studies, the GroEL protein of Arsenophonus was found to be interacting with the CLCuV coat protein. Further, we also localized the presence of Arsenophonus in the salivary glands and the midgut of B. tabaci besides the already reported bacteriocytes. These results suggest the involvement of Arsenophonus in the transmission of CLCuV in AsiaII genetic group of B. tabaci.     

Rickettsia 'in' and 'out': two different localization patterns of a bacterial symbiont in the same insect species

Intracellular symbionts of arthropods have diverse influences on their hosts, and their functions generally appear to be associated with their localization within the host. The effect of localization pattern on the role of a particular symbiont cannot normally be tested since the localization pattern within hosts is generally invariant. However, in Israel, the secondary symbiont Rickettsia is unusual in that it presents two distinct localization patterns throughout development and adulthood in its whitefly host, Bemisia tabaci (B biotype). In the "scattered" pattern, Rickettsia is localized throughout the whitefly hemocoel, excluding the bacteriocytes, where the obligate symbiont Portiera aleyrodidarum and some other secondary symbionts are housed. In the "confined" pattern, Rickettsia is restricted to the bacteriocytes. We examined the effects of these patterns on Rickettsia densities, association with other symbionts (Portiera and Hamiltonella defensa inside the bacteriocytes) and on the potential for horizontal transmission to the parasitoid wasp, Eretmocerus mundus, while the wasp larvae are developing within the whitefly nymph. Sequences of four Rickettsia genes were found to be identical for both localization patterns, suggesting that they are closely related strains. However, real-time PCR analysis showed very different dynamics for the two localization types. On the first day post-adult emergence, Rickettsia densities were 21 times higher in the "confined" pattern vs. "scattered" pattern whiteflies. During adulthood, Rickettsia increased in density in the "scattered" pattern whiteflies until it reached the "confined" pattern Rickettsia density on day 21. No correlation between Rickettsia densities and Hamiltonella or Portiera densities were found for either localization pattern. Using FISH technique, we found Rickettsia in the gut of the parasitoid wasps only when they developed on whiteflies with the "scattered" pattern. The results suggest that the localization pattern of a symbiont may influence its dynamics within the host.     

Identification and localization of a Rickettsia sp. in Bemisia tabaci (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae)

Whiteflies (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) are sap-sucking insects that harbor "Candidatus Portiera aleyrodidarum," an obligatory symbiotic bacterium which is housed in a special organ called the bacteriome. These insects are also home for a diverse facultative microbial community which may include Hamiltonella, Arsenophonus, Fritchea, Wolbachia, and Cardinium spp. In this study, the bacteria associated with a B biotype of the sweet potato whitefly Bemisia tabaci were characterized using molecular fingerprinting techniques, and a Rickettsia sp. was detected for the first time in this insect family. Rickettsia sp. distribution, transmission and localization were studied using PCR and fluorescence in situ hybridizations (FISH). Rickettsia was found in all 20 Israeli B. tabaci populations screened but not in all individuals within each population. A FISH analysis of B. tabaci eggs, nymphs, and adults revealed a unique concentration of Rickettsia around the gut and follicle cells, as well as a random distribution in the hemolymph. We postulate that the Rickettsia enters the oocyte together with the bacteriocytes, leaves these symbiont-housing cells when the egg is laid, multiplies and spreads throughout the egg during embryogenesis and, subsequently, disperses throughout the body of the hatching nymph, excluding the bacteriomes. Although the role Rickettsia plays in the biology of the whitefly is currently unknown, the vertical transmission on the one hand and the partial within-population infection on the other suggest a phenotype that is advantageous under certain conditions but may be deleterious enough to prevent fixation under others.