Virulence variability in Xylella fastidiosa and disease susceptibility of cultivated and wild grape species

Five isolates of Xylella fastidiosa subs. fastidiosa were evaluated for virulence differences using the grape cultivar Cabernet Sauvignon. Significant variation in virulence was observed among isolates. Two isolates representing high and moderate virulence in grape were used for evaluating susceptibility on twenty-one grape lines (cultivars (cv.) and breeding lines). Lines showed significant differences in symptom development and bacterial populations when inoculated with one of two isolates. Table grape cultivars Scarlet Royal, Solbrio, and Red Globe were among the cultivars with the highest disease symptoms and bacterial populations, while ‘Flame Seedless’ showed moderate or low symptoms and had lower bacterial populations in this study than most other commercial table grape cultivars. Sources of Pierce’s disease resistance or tolerance commonly used in breeding programs showed few symptoms when inoculated with either isolate, but levels of bacteria within the plant varied. A new source of Pierce’s disease resistance/tolerance, IAC 572, was identified.