Xylella fastidiosa (XF) is a bacterium that has emerged as a major threat to both agricultural and ornamental plant health across North America. In South Carolina, its presence has sparked increasing concern among agricultural communities, particularly in relation to the devastating plant diseases it causes. Known for its role in bacterial leaf scorch (BLS), Xylella fastidiosa impacts a wide variety of plants, including the state's prized fruit crops like blueberries and vital shade trees such as oaks, maples, and sycamores. Understanding the current state of Xylella fastidiosa in South Carolina and its implications is crucial for safeguarding agriculture and maintaining the ecological balance of the region.

Xylella Fastidiosa in South Carolina

This post delves into two pivotal studies that track the spread of Xylella fastidiosa in South Carolina and examines the profound effects it has on both crops and native plants. We will explore the findings from these studies, discuss the ecological and economic impact, and emphasize the importance of proactive measures to manage this growing threat.

 

The First Report: Xylella Fastidiosa Subsp. Fastidiosa in Rabbiteye Blueberries

A landmark study, published in Plant Disease (Vol. 108, No. 6, June 2024), made an important discovery regarding the presence of Xylella fastidiosa subsp. fastidiosa in South Carolina. Prior to this research, the only known subspecies of X. fastidiosa found in rabbiteye blueberries (Vaccinium virgatum) in the region was subsp. multiplex. However, the study led by Elizabeth Cieniewicz et al. uncovered the first case of subsp. fastidiosa infecting this crop in South Carolina, which was previously unreported.

Symptoms and Disease Observation

The study was triggered by reports from farmers noticing symptoms of bacterial leaf scorch (BLS) in their rabbiteye blueberry fields. Symptoms included foliar reddening, leaf scorch, and shoot dieback — typical signs of Xylella fastidiosa infection. The symptoms caused severe plant stress, leading to diminished yields and, in some cases, plant death.

The research team collected symptomatic leaf and stem samples from affected plants in South Carolina fields. Using advanced diagnostic techniques, including DNA extraction, PCR testing, and high-throughput sequencing (HTS), the team confirmed the presence of Xylella fastidiosa subsp. fastidiosa in these plants.

Detection and Characterization of the Pathogen

Through HTS, the research team successfully identified the bacterial strain as Xylella fastidiosa subsp. fastidiosa. This was a groundbreaking finding, as it contradicted previous assumptions that only subsp. multiplex was responsible for infections in rabbiteye blueberries. This revelation indicates that the pathogen might have adapted to a new host and environment in South Carolina, with potential implications for agriculture across the southeastern U.S.

Implications for Agriculture in South Carolina

The discovery of Xylella fastidiosa in rabbiteye blueberries raises several key concerns:

1.      Potential Reservoir Host: Blueberries could serve as a reservoir for Xylella fastidiosa subsp. fastidiosa, enabling it to spread to other crops like grapes, peaches, and citrus through insect vectors such as sharpshooters.

2.      Economic Risk: South Carolina is a significant producer of blueberries. The emergence of this pathogen could threaten crop viability, leading to substantial financial losses.

3.      Epidemiological Shifts: This finding may signal the spread of the pathogen to new regions or the introduction of a new strain, both of which could have major implications for plant health in the state.

4.      Vector Management: While the study did not explore vector dynamics, the role of sharpshooters and other insects in spreading the pathogen remains critical. Managing these vectors is essential to controlling the disease's spread.

The study underscores the need for heightened surveillance, genomic research, and biosecurity measures to protect South Carolina’s agricultural industries from further spread.

 

The Second Report: Xylella Fastidiosa in Oak, Maple, and Sycamore Trees

A separate study published in Plant Disease (Vol. 77, No. 12, 1993) by J.H. Blake focused on the distribution of Xylella fastidiosa in oak, sycamore, and maple trees across South Carolina. This research, conducted during the summer of 1991, confirmed that Xylella fastidiosa was widespread in South Carolina’s urban and suburban areas, impacting several common tree species.

Methodology and Findings

Blake’s study involved a comprehensive survey across 19 counties in South Carolina, collecting samples from symptomatic and asymptomatic trees. The research team used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) to detect the pathogen. Symptoms observed included marginal leaf browning, premature leaf drop, and decline in tree health, all indicative of bacterial leaf scorch.

The key findings of this study include:

·         Oak Trees: 29% of oak trees sampled showed symptoms of bacterial leaf scorch, with 29% testing positive for Xylella fastidiosa.

·         Sycamore Trees: 17% of sycamore trees showed scorch symptoms, but 35% tested positive for the pathogen.

·         Maple Trees: Although only 7% of maple trees exhibited visible symptoms, 26% of the samples tested positive for Xylella fastidiosa.

This data suggests that Xylella fastidiosa is more widespread in South Carolina than previously thought, especially in urban landscapes where these trees are common. The pathogen’s presence in multiple counties from the western border to the Atlantic coast highlights its broad distribution across different ecological zones.

Ecological and Economic Impact

Xylella fastidiosa’s impact on South Carolina’s urban and suburban tree populations is significant. The disease, known as bacterial leaf scorch, leads to the decline and eventual death of trees, particularly in the case of susceptible species like oaks and maples. Urban forestry, which relies heavily on these tree species for shade, aesthetic value, and ecological benefits, faces severe risks from this pathogen. Tree mortality can also lead to increased urban heat, reduced air quality, and additional costs for municipalities in tree replacement and maintenance.

Implications for Future Research and Management

The study emphasizes the need for routine surveillance programs, improved diagnostic tools, and public education to help manage bacterial leaf scorch. It also calls for research into developing resistant tree cultivars and effective vector management strategies to prevent further spread.

 

 

Table: Summary of Xylella Fastidiosa in South Carolina

Study	Tree/Crop Affected	Regions Affected	Findings	Impact
Cieniewicz et al. (2024)	Rabbiteye Blueberries	South Carolina	Discovery of X. fastidiosa subsp. fastidiosa in blueberries	Potential economic losses due to reduced yields and plant death
Blake (1993)	Oak, Sycamore, Maple	19 counties across SC	X. fastidiosa present in multiple counties; BLS symptoms in oak, sycamore, and maple	Tree mortality, urban forestry decline, increased costs

 

Navigating the Growing Threat of Xylella Fastidiosa in South Carolina

The presence of Xylella fastidiosa in South Carolina’s agricultural crops and urban trees highlights a growing concern that must be addressed proactively. Both studies reviewed here underscore the urgency for heightened surveillance, improved diagnostic techniques, and integrated disease management strategies. Xylella fastidiosa poses a serious threat not only to agriculture but also to the ecological health of urban and suburban landscapes in South Carolina.

By embracing the lessons from these studies, South Carolina can take significant steps to mitigate the impact of this destructive pathogen. As Xylella fastidiosa continues to spread across the state, it is critical that farmers, city planners, and policy makers work together to safeguard South Carolina’s plant life and maintain the state’s agricultural viability.

 

References

Cieniewicz, Elizabeth, Elise Schnabel, Garner Powell, Zachary Snipes, and Guido Schnabel. “Detection and Characterization of Xylella fastidiosa subsp. fastidiosa in Rabbiteye Blueberry in South Carolina.” Plant Disease 108, no. 6 (June 2024). https://doi.org/10.1094/PDIS-11-23-2392-SC.

Blake, J. H. "Distribution of Xylella fastidiosa in Oak, Maple, and Sycamore in South Carolina." Plant Disease 77, no. 12 (1993): 1262. Accepted for publication 13 August 1993. Department of Plant Pathology and Physiology, Clemson University.