Detection and characterization of rice orange leaf phytoplasma infection in rice and Recilia dorsalis

Abstract Phytoplasmas are small bacterial parasites that lack cell walls and transmitted in a persistent-propagative manner by insect vectors. However, detailed multiplication patterns movements of phytoplasmas within host plant vector remain elusive. In this study, specific antibody against the immunodominant membrane protein (Imp) rice orange leaf phytoplasma (ROLP) was generated subjected to frozen section immune gold labeling assay, microscopy, fluorescence assay investigate how ROLP enters, propagates, spreads its leafhopper Recilia dorsalis at ultrastructural level. During acquisition transmission vectors, ROLPs could squeeze penetrate multiple membrane/tissue barriers such as microvilli, apical plasmalemma, basal lamina intestines or salivary glands endocytosis- exocytosis-like mechanism. Furthermore, infection is restricted type IV V cells glands. contrast classical binary fission used most bacteria, electron microscopy reveals exploits an asymmetrical budding strategy replicate hosts process, cellular protrusion forms bud reproduce offspring junction between main body. These results clarify characteristics R. , which will help guide formulation prevention control strategies.