(117g) Fluid Dynamics inside Insect Mouthparts and Plant Xylem Influence Biofilm Formation and Transmission of an Insect-Borne Plant Pathogen
AIChE Annual Meeting
2020
2020 Virtual AIChE Annual Meeting
Engineering Sciences and Fundamentals
Characterization of Biomaterials and Biological Systems
Monday, November 16, 2020 - 9:30am to 9:45am
Xylella fastidiosa is a global plant pathogenic bacterium vectored between plants by sharpshooter leafhoppers (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Cicadellinae) and other insects. The bacteria forms biofilms in plant xylem and insect mouthparts. There are varying hypotheses for mechanisms of X. fastidiosa transmittal reported in the literature. In this poster, transmittal via flow driven detachment mechanisms is supported by comparing 3D fluid dynamic simulations with previously reported colonization patterns of insect mouthparts. These simulations were developed for both grapevine xylem and the blue-green sharpshooter mouthparts. Results are combined with an estimate for water hammer to infer a cohesive narrative on X. fastidiosa acquisition, transmission, and biofilm formation. Based on the model, acquisition and transmission are likely to occur during sharpshooter X wave feeding behaviors. This novel mechanistic understanding clarifies reasons for previously reported transmission variables while emphasizing new targets for disease prevention.