Emergence and evolution of Arsenophonus bacteria as insect-vectored plant pathogens

Abstract

Arsenophonus bacteria are among the most biologically diverse and widespread endosymbionts of arthropods. Notably, two species, Phlomobacter fragariae and Arsenophonus phytopathogenicus, have been characterized as phloem-restricted plant pathogens that are obligatorily transmitted by and hosted in planthoppers of the family Cixiidae (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha). Here, I review the current understanding on the lifestyle transition, evolution, host interaction, and infection cycles of these emerging plant pathogens.

Keywords: Cixius wagneri; Emerging plant diseases; Evolution; Insect endosymbionts; Lifestyle transition; Pentastiridius leporinus.