Differential expression of P450 family genes in Brevipalpus yothersi (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) maintained in Citrus spp.

Abstract

Brevipalpus are economically important mites due to their high polyphagy and the vector capacity of phytoviruses known as BTVs (Brevipalpus-borne viruses). Several crops can be affected by VTBs, including those of economic importance, such as citrus, coffee, passion fruit and ornamentals, such as orchids. In citrus, leprosis is the viral disease with the greatest impact on orchards, caused by citrus leprosis virus C (CiLV-C, Cilevirus: Kitaviridae), with almost all Citrus species being susceptible to the pathogen. Disease management is primarily through acaricides, with B. yothersi being prevalent in the transmission of CiLV-C. Little is known about the genetics and mechanisms that favor the establishment of mites in different hosts and the interaction with different VTBs. Pioneering studies by our group have identified differentially expressed genes (GDE) in B. yothersi, both in response to CiLV-C and in different host plants. Among these, some genes of the cytochrome P450 family are suggested as involved in an adaptive response to host plants and chemicals. Therefore, seeking to complement information about the complex vector-host-virus interaction, the objectives of this proposal will be to evaluate the functional response in the mite-host interaction, comparing the expression of genes of the P450 family in B. yothersi, when colonized in Tahiti acid lime tree ( Citrus latifolia) and sweet orange (C. sinensis), and to verify the transmission of CiLV-C in Tahiti, a species previously considered resistant to citrus leprosis in Brazil. The results will contribute to broadening the knowledge of Citrus as hosts of BTVs, as well as the functional genetic response in the vector-host-virus interaction, identifying essential genes, which in the near future may be targets for silencing, allowing new management and control strategies of disease in the field.