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Flowers can provide a protected and nutrient-rich environment to the epiphytic microflora, thus representing a sensible entry point for pathogens such as Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae (Psa). This bacterium can colonize both male and female Actinidia flowers, causing flower browning and fall, and systemic invasion of the host plant, eventually leading to its death. However, the process of flower colonization and penetration into the host tissues has not yet been fully elucidated. In addition, the presence of Psa in the pollen from infected flowers, and the role of pollination in the spread of Psa requires confirmation. The present study employed a Psa strain constitutively expressing the fluorescent GFPuv protein, to visualize in vivo flower colonization. Microscopy observations were performed by means of confocal laser scanning and wide-field fluorescent microscopy, and were coupled with the study of Psa population dynamics by quantitative PCR (q-PCR). The pathogen was shown to colonize stigmata, move along the stylar furrow, and penetrate the receptacles via the style or nectarhodes. Once the receptacle was invaded, the pathogen migrated along the flower pedicel and became systemic. Psa was also able to colonize the anthers epiphytically and endophytically. Infected male flowers produced contaminated pollen, which could transmit Psa to healthy plants. Finally, pollinators (Apis mellifera and Bombus terrestris) were studied in natural conditions, showing that, although they can be contaminated with Psa, the pathogen’s transmission via pollinators is contrasted by its short survival in the hive.

After 20 years of steady increase, kiwifruit industry faced a severe arrest due to the pandemic spread of the bacterial canker, caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae (Psa). The bacterium penetrates the host plant primarily via natural openings or wounds, and its spread is mainly mediated by atmospheric events and cultural activities. Since the role of sucking insects as vectors of bacterial pathogens is widely documented, we investigated the ability of Metcalfa pruinosa Say (1830), one of the most common kiwifruit pests, to transmit Psa to healthy plants in laboratory conditions. Psa could be isolated both from insects feeding over experimentally inoculated plants, and from insects captured in Psa-infected orchards. Furthermore, insects were able to transmit Psa from experimentally inoculated plants to healthy ones. In conclusion, the control of M. pruinosa is recommended in the framework of protection strategies against Psa.

BACKGROUND: The bacterial canker of kiwifruit, caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae (Psa), affects several cultivated Actinidia species, including A. chinensis and A. deliciosa . Its development is related to permissive environmental conditions, such as temperature, humidity, presence of entry points, genetic and physiological features of the host plant. Moreover, also cultural practices influence, directly or indirectly, the disease development. The bacterial canker of kiwifruit, caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae (Psa), affects several cultivated Actinidia species, including A. chinensis and A. deliciosa . Its development is related to permissive environmental conditions, such as temperature, humidity, presence of entry points, genetic and physiological features of the host plant. Moreover, also cultural practices influence, directly or indirectly, the disease development. OBJECTIVE: The role of agricultural practices on disease development and spread was studied. The role of agricultural practices on disease development and spread was studied. METHODS: Irrigation, pruning and training systems were tested in the field according to conventional orchard management. Experiments on mineral nutrition, use of bio-regulators and rootstock susceptibility were performed in controlled conditions. Bacterial growth, symptom development and disease incidence were assessed in relation to the different practices. Irrigation, pruning and training systems were tested in the field according to conventional orchard management. Experiments on mineral nutrition, use of bio-regulators and rootstock susceptibility were performed in controlled conditions. Bacterial growth, symptom development and disease incidence were assessed in relation to the different practices. RESULTS: High nitrogen fertilization, iron deficiency and water stress were related to more severe symptoms. Open canopies allow a better irradiation, aeration, and penetration of phytosanitary treatments. Synthetic gibberellins reduced disease incidence and severity in controlled conditions. Fruits from diseased plants showed a lower quality and storability. High nitrogen fertilization, iron deficiency and water stress were related to more severe symptoms. Open canopies allow a better irradiation, aeration, and penetration of phytosanitary treatments. Synthetic gibberellins reduced disease incidence and severity in controlled conditions. Fruits from diseased plants showed a lower quality and storability. CONCLUSIONS: Dense canopies are harder to manage and more exposed to bacterial canker. Pruning tools and irrigation water are relevant for the bacterial spread. Dense canopies are harder to manage and more exposed to bacterial canker. Pruning tools and irrigation water are relevant for the bacterial spread.