Data from: Invasive mutualisms between a plant pathogen and insect vectors in the Middle East and Brazil

Complex multi-trophic interactions in vectorborne diseases limit our
understanding and ability to predict outbreaks. Arthropod-vectored
pathogens are especially problematic, with the potential for novel
interspecific interactions during invasions. Variations and novelties in
plant–arthropod–pathogen triumvirates present significant threats to
global food security. We examined aspects of a phytoplasma pathogen of
citrus across two continents. ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma aurantifolia’ causes
Witches' Broom Disease of Lime (WBDL) and has devastated citrus
production in the Middle East. A variant of this phytoplasma currently
displays asymptomatic or ‘silent’ infections in Brazil. We first studied
vector capacity and fitness impacts of the pathogen on its vectors. The
potential for co-occurring weed species to act as pathogen reservoirs was
analysed and key transmission periods in the year were also studied. We
demonstrate that two invasive hemipteran insects—Diaphorina citri and
Hishimonus phycitis—can vector the phytoplasma. Feeding on
phytoplasma-infected hosts greatly increased reproduction of its invasive
vector D. citri both in Oman and Brazil; suggesting that increased fitness
of invasive insect vectors thereby further increases the pathogen's
capacity to spread. Based on our findings, this is a robust system for
studying the effects of invasions on vectorborne diseases and highlights
concerns about its spread to warmer, drier regions of Brazil.