Texas A&M AgriLife Research scientists are spearheading a transformative study to combat zebra chip disease, a bacterial infection caused by Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum that has plagued potato growers across the U.S. for decades. Funded by a $682,500 USDA grant, this three-year project explores the intricate dynamics of plant and insect immune systems to develop long-term, sustainable solutions for controlling the disease.
The Challenge of Zebra Chip
Zebra chip disease disrupts the nutrient transport systems of crops like potatoes, tomatoes, and peppers. The disease derives its name from the dark stripes that appear when infected potatoes are fried, making them unsuitable for sale. Historically, a single infected potato could lead to the disposal of an entire batch, resulting in significant economic losses for farmers.
Currently, the only viable control method is heavy pesticide use to suppress the psyllid insects responsible for spreading the disease. However, as production costs rise and environmental concerns grow, this approach is proving increasingly unsustainable.
Dr. Julien Levy, a principal investigator at Texas A&M, highlights the economic toll:
“Diseases like zebra chip have had enormous impacts on potato production in Texas and major potato-producing states like those in the Pacific Northwest. Our goal is to identify long-term solutions that help producers and protect the environment.”
Innovative Research for Lasting Solutions
The research focuses on understanding how the bacteria manipulate plant and insect immune systems. Levy’s team is investigating bacterial proteins that suppress plant defenses, with the aim of developing methods to block these proteins. This could enable plants to fend off infections naturally.
Meanwhile, Dr. Cecilia Tamborindeguy is studying how the bacteria interact with the psyllid insects that spread the disease. Interestingly, the pathogen also harms the insect host, weakening it at different life stages.
“If we can bolster both the plant’s and the insect’s defenses against the bacteria, we can create an additional layer of protection,” Levy explains.
Wider Applications for Crop Protection
This project builds on more than a decade of foundational research into psyllid-transmitted pathogens. While the current focus is on solanaceous crops, such as potatoes, tomatoes, and peppers, the findings could also aid in combating citrus greening, another devastating bacterial disease spread by psyllids.
Dr. Tamborindeguy notes the broader implications:
“By understanding the diversity of pathogens and their interactions, we’re creating tools that could protect future generations of crops, reducing pesticide reliance and enhancing agricultural sustainability.”
Potential applications include breeding plants with enhanced resistance and developing biocontrol agents tailored to disrupt the pathogen’s life cycle. Such advancements could revolutionize crop protection not only for potatoes but also for other crops vulnerable to similar bacterial threats.
The Texas A&M AgriLife Research project represents a pivotal step toward sustainable agricultural practices by addressing the root causes of zebra chip disease. By unlocking the molecular mechanisms behind this devastating disease, researchers aim to provide farmers with more effective, eco-friendly tools to protect their crops. Beyond immediate economic benefits, this work holds promise for a more resilient agricultural system capable of meeting global food security demands.
