Effectoromics of Huanglongbing (HLB)-associated pathogen
W. MA (1), D. Pagliaccia (1), K. Clark (1), J. Liu (1), E. Hawara (1), G. Vidalakis (1), X. Ge (1), G. Coaker (2), N. Wang (3) (1) University of California, U.S.A.; (2) University of California, U.S.A.; (3) University of Florida, U.S.A.

Huanglongbing (HLB) has caused unprecedented crisis to the citrus industry worldwide. In the US, HLB is associated with the phloem-colonizing, insect-transmitted bacterium Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (Las). Since no cures for HLB are available and true resistance in citrus has not been found, methodologies that effectively detect Las in large-scale set-ups and the development of resistant citrus varieties are urgently needed for the development of an integrative management program. One of the most important virulence mechanisms utilized by bacterial pathogens is manipulation of host immunity and physiology through the function of secreted effector proteins. Las possesses the Sec secretion system, through which a variety of Sec-delivered effectors (SDEs) could be secreted into the citrus phloem. Our research focuses on using SDEs as detection markers for robust HLB diagnosis and molecular probes to identify key components required for HLB development. To this end, we have generated antibodies targeting unique SDEs of Las and developed serological detection methods including direct tissue imprint and ELISA assays that are suitable for field surveys. In addition, we have identified the citrus targets of a highly expressed SDE. These targets will be genetically modified using CRISPR-based genome editing to enhance HLB resistance.


Abstract Number: S1-3
Session Type: Special Session