The phylogeny and distribution of in two pathogen vector insects, Asian citrus psyllid and Longan psyllid.

BACKGROUND

is the most abundant bacterial endosymbiont among insects. It can play a prominent role in the development, reproduction and immunity of its given insect host. To date, presence is well studied within aphids, whiteflies and planthoppers, but relatively few studies have investigated its presence in psyllids.

METHODS

Here, the infection status of in five species of psyllid, including Asian citrus psyllid and longan psyllid was investigated. The phylogenetic relationships of different lines and their infection density and patterns in and from different countries was also examined.

RESULTS

The infection rates of in and were both 100%, and their sequencing types are ST173 and ST532 respectively. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the lines in and both belong to the Con subgroup of supergroup B. In addition, displayed a scattered localization pattern in the 5th instar nymphs and in the reproductive organs of both and but differed in other tissues; it was highest in the midgut, lowest in the salivary glands and medium in both the testes and ovaries.

CONCLUSION

Our findings assist in further understanding the coevolution of and its psyllid hosts. Given that could play an important role in insect pest control and pathogen transmission inhibition, our findings may also provide new insights for development of control strategies for and .