Browsing by Subject "Reblaus"

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Molecular evidence of intraclonal variation and implications for adaptational traits of grape phylloxera populations (Daktulosphaira vitifoliae, Fitch)
(2007) Vorwerk, Sonja; Blaich, Rolf
Grape phylloxera (Daktulosphaira vitifoliae Fitch; Homoptera: Phylloxeridae) is an economical important insect pest of grapevine (Vitis spp.) worldwide. The insect was introduced with contaminated plant material from North America in the 1850s and spread rapidly across all European viticultural regions. In the 19th century, nearly three-forths of the ungrafted and highly susceptible European grape species were destroyed by the insect pest. European viticulture did not recover until the development of grafting, combining European Vitis vinifera varieties with resistant rootstocks, bred from American Vitis species. Grape phylloxera is still present in viticulture. Today, grape phylloxera populations mainly persist in abandoned vineyards and rootstock nurseries. Grape phylloxera populations seem to be variable in terms of genotypic composition and host adaptability. The lifecycle described by Fitch (1854) and others in the 19th century does not seem to match actual conditions anymore. This thesis aimed at redefining the genetic structure of European grape phylloxera populations by employing genetic markers. It was shown, that the insect has turned away from its classical holocycle and now mainly reproduces asexually, as already demonstrated for Australian grape phylloxera populations. Despite asexual reproduction, all examined populations revealed a high grade of genotypic diversity. The reports on the emergence of new and more aggressive strains raised the question, how a population composed of asexually reproducing organisms would change and adapt to such an extent. Using a multilocus marker system, eight single founder lineages were genetically monitored over at least 15 generations. All lineages revealed a high grade of intraclonal variation. Sequencing of polymorphic fragments showed, that the genetic variation was not due to contaminating plant or bacterial DNA, but was due to variation within the insect genome. Furthermore, mutations occured already in early generations and were not observed to accumulate in later generations. Mutations were rather generated constantly and only few mutation specific markers were identified to be stable over all following generations. The here documentated genetic variation reveals the great adaptational potential of this insect pest. The adaptability of single founder lineages was further assessed by measuring physiological parameters in single isolation chambers in the greenhouse. Parameters as the number of surviving individuals per generation, the number of eggs or the number of ovarioles per generation exposed differences in performance among the lineages and also within the lineages a high grade of intraclonal variation. A direct correlation of specific multilocus markers and particularly adapted individuals or lineages was not possible in this assay. Two markers, though, were observed to occure in several lineages which performed well on the new host plant. These markers may be a first step to the development of adaptation-related markers and need to be tested on further populations and host plants. When analysing intraclonal variation, the question of putative contaminating factors within the system arises. Symbiotic bacteria occuring in nearly all aphid species certainly are the first to be suspected as a source of genetic variation among single individuals tested. Endosymbiotic bacteria, as Buchnera aphidicola in other aphid species, influencing nutritional condition and fitness of the insect population, were not identified in D. vitifoliae. A bacterium, closely related to Pantoea agglomerans, however, was identified in several grape phylloxera populations, using universal 16S rDNA primers and later specifically developed markers, which were also employed for in situ hybridization. The bacterium was localized in the salivary pump of D. vitifoliae. PCR analysis of in vitro reared populations revealed that the bacterium is present in root- and leaf-feeding parthenogenetic populations of grape phylloxera and, moreover, seems to be transmitted from generation to generation. In other insect species, this bacterium has been demonstrated to produce antifungal and antibacterial substances, which were also found in first in vitro tests with grape phylloxera associated bacteria. The insect may benefit from the antagonistic potential of these bacteria. P. agglomerans may be a further participant in the certainly complex interaction of grape phylloxera and grapevine. This thesis represents a broad approach to elucidate the development of grape phylloxera populations in Europe. Using new molecular marker systems, it has become possible to gain more information on the genetic structure of the insect and its adaptational potential. The predominant clonal reproduction mode of the insect confronts grapevine breeders and pest management with the task to continously develop new resistant rootstocks and to keep up with new pest management systems.
Untersuchungen zur Abundanz der Reblaus (Dactylosphaera vitifolii Shimer) und zur Nodositätenbildung in Abhängigkeit von Umweltfaktoren
(2000) Kopf, Andreas; Blaich, Rolf
The aim of the examinations was to investigate the abundance of Phylloxera (Dactylosphaera vitifolii Shimer), the occurrence of different biotypes of Phylloxera, the reaction of rootstocks to the infestation by Phylloxera and the influence of abiotic environmental conditions on the interaction between insect and plant. To investigate this interaction galls on rootlets (nodosities) and leaf galls were examined. The abundance of Phylloxera and the issue of the holocyclical reproduction in the wine region palatinate were evaluated in a field monitoring. In a special field trial the occurrence of different stages of Phylloxera and their damages on the rootstock were registered. With a dual aseptical in vitro system Phylloxera of different origins were examined on their aggressiveness to different varieties of rootstocks. In pot trials the influence of the type of soil and the effect of N-fertilization on the development of nodosities were investigated. The results of the examination show that Phylloxera can be found in nearly every part of the palatinate and that the improper cultivation of grafted rootstocks promotes the spreading of Phylloxera. Through shoots of rootstocks ? as they can be found in vineyards run wild - a holocyclical development of Phylloxera is made possible under appropriate climatical circumstances. Fitness, population dynamics of Phylloxera and the number of nodosities caused by the insects are correlating with their adaptation to a host rootstock. Pot studies have demonstrated that Phylloxera populations develop better in clay soil than sandy soil. High densities of Phylloxera in combination with a lack of N-supply increase a growth depression on grafted roots. It could also be proved that N-fertilization reduces the Phylloxera populations and the development of nodosities up to 98 %.