Diversity and persistence of the RNA virome of Philaenus spumarius, the European vector of Xylella fastidiosa.

ABSTRACT: Philaenus spumarius is the primary vector of the quarantine plant pathogen Xylella fastidiosa in Europe and is responsible for the devastating Olive Quick Decline Syndrome outbreak in Southern Italy. Despite its importance, little is known about its natural viral community, which could offer novel and sustainable strategies for vector control. In this three-year study, we conducted the first comprehensive characterization of the viral community of P. spumarius from multiple ecologically diverse European sites, including X. fastidiosa-affected areas in Southern Italy. Deep transcriptomic sequencing of 209 field-collected individuals pooled into 11 RNA-seq libraries revealed the presence of 26 RNA viruses. Our findings revealed a rich and structured viral community in populations from Northe

SUBMITTER: Ottati S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12824227 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature