A mathematical model of biofilm growth and spread within plant xylem: Case study of Xylella fastidiosa in olive trees

N C Walker, S M White, S A Ruiz, D McKay Fletcher, M Saponari, T Roose*

*Corresponding author for this work

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Abstract

Xylem-limited bacterial pathogens cause some of the most destructive plant diseases. Though imposed measures to control these pathogens are generally ineffective, even among susceptible taxa, some hosts can limit bacterial loads and symptom expression. Mechanisms by which this resistance is achieved are poorly understood. In particular, it is still unknown how differences in vascular structure may influence biofilm growth and spread within a host. To address this, we developed a novel theoretical framework to describe biofilm behaviour within xylem vessels, adopting a polymer-based modelling approach. We then parameterised the model to investigate the relevance of xylem vessel diameters on Xylella fastidiosa resistance among olive cultivars. The functionality of all vessels was severely reduced under infection, with hydraulic flow reductions of 2-3 orders of magnitude. However, results suggest wider vessels act as biofilm incubators; allowing biofilms to develop over a long time while still transporting them through the vasculature. By contrast, thinner vessels become blocked much earlier, limiting biofilm spread. Using experimental data on vessel diameter distributions, we were able to determine that a mechanism of resistance in the olive cultivar Leccino is a relatively low abundance of the widest vessels, limiting X. fastidiosa spread. [Abstract copyright: Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.]
Original languageEnglish
Article number111737
Pages (from-to)111737
JournalJournal of Theoretical Biology
Volume581
Early online date25 Jan 2024
DOIs
Publication statusPrint publication - 21 Mar 2024

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2024 The Author(s)

Keywords

  • Xylella fastidiosa
  • Olive
  • Multiphase model
  • Biofilm formation
  • Xylem-limited bacterial pathogen

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