Molecular Pathogens 2024, Vol.15, No.2, 83-92 http://microbescipublisher.com/index.php/mp 89 7.2 Environmental and ecological considerations Pantoea ananatis occupies diverse ecological niches, which complicates its management. It can be found as an epiphyte, endophyte, and even as a part of the gut microbiota of insects, making it difficult to target without affecting non-pathogenic or beneficial strains (Bragard et al., 2023). The bacterium's presence in various environments, including soil, water, and plant surfaces, means that it can easily spread and persist in the environment. Moreover, certain insect species, such as the western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera), have been identified as vectors for P. ananatis, further complicating control efforts (Krawczyk et al., 2020a). The bacterium's ability to survive in different ecological niches and its association with insect vectors necessitate integrated pest management strategies that consider the broader ecological context. 7.3 Socio-economic and policy-related challenges The socio-economic impact of Pantoea ananatis on wheat production can be significant, particularly in regions where wheat is a major economic crop. The cost of managing the disease, including the development and deployment of resistant cultivars, the use of chemical controls, and the implementation of integrated pest management strategies, can be substantial. Additionally, the presence of P. ananatis in multiple crops and its potential to infect humans and animals pose public health concerns that require coordinated policy responses (Bragard et al., 2023). The lack of comprehensive phytosanitary measures and the bacterium's ability to evade detection further exacerbate the challenges in managing its spread. Effective management of P. ananatis requires not only scientific and technical solutions but also robust policy frameworks and international cooperation to mitigate its impact on agriculture and public health. 8 Case Study 8.1 Detailed analysis of a specific outbreak in wheat fields In a recent study conducted in the Greater Poland region, an outbreak of Pantoea ananatis was observed in wheat fields. The initial symptoms included brownish lesions with clear margins and a yellow halo on wheat leaves, which were initially wounded by the cereal leaf beetle (CLB, Oulema melanopus) (Krawczyk et al., 2020a). This study is the first to report that Diabrotica virgifera virgifera transmits P. ananatis, indicating that insects play a crucial role in the spread of this pathogen (Figure 3). Figure 3 Experimental process and infection rate of Pantoea ananatis Transmission by Western Corn Rootworm (Adopted from Krawczyk et al., 2020a) This figure from Krawczyk et al. (2020a) shows the experimental process involving Diabrotica virgifera (Western Corn Rootworm, WCR) as a potential vector for Pantoea ananatis. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse to investigate whether WCR can transfer the pathogenic bacteria from infected maize plants to healthy
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzNA==