Work

An ecological corridor reveals new Liberibacter taxa along a latitudinal transect of Salix and Urtica

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Liberibacter species range from facultative insect symbionts to devastating plant pathogens, yet their diversity, transmission routes, and ecological roles remain poorly understood. We screened willow-associated psyllids along a latitudinal transect spanning Europe with complementary sampling in North America to examine Liberibacter diversity and potential mechanisms of horizontal transmission within an eco-evolutionary framework. Through 16S rRNA amplicon profiling, targeted metagenomics, and whole genome phylogenomics, we identified and sequenced a new ‘ Candidatus Liberibacter psyllidaureus’ haplotype ( W ) and describe a new species, ‘ Candidatus Liberibacter saliceti’. Single-gene markers suggest the potential for horizontal transmission of Liberibacter genotypes among co-occurring psyllid species within shared riparian habitats. Comparative genomic analyses reveal that virtually all Liberibacter species encode arginine and B-vitamin biosynthesis pathways absent or incomplete in psyllid obligate nutritional symbionts, suggesting a putative facultative nutritional role. Together, our results highlight riparian ecosystems as hotspots of Liberibacter diversity, transmission, and functional integration within complex psyllid symbiotic consortia.

Source: Communications Biology

DOI: 10.1038/s42003-026-10778-9

Authors: Allison K. Hansen, Diana M. Percy, Carissa A. Gilliland, Sen Miao, Patrick H. Degnan

Institutions: University of California, Riverside, University of British Columbia

Language: English

Topic: Phytoplasmas and Hemiptera pathogens

Subfield: Plant Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $4,190

Funders: U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service