ERP015639 PRJEB14039 ena-STUDY-FONDAZIONE EDMUND MACH-13-05-2016-10:29:10:465-29 Cacopsylla melanoneura microbiota The insect microbiota can influence the presence and transmissibility of vector-borne microbial pathogens, but the mechanisms behind this type of interaction are still widely unexplored. We have investigated this complex interplay using as a model the apple proliferation disease that is caused by the bacterium Canditatus Phytoplasma mali (P. mali) and vectored by leafhoppers of the genus Cacopsylla. Metagenomic comparison of the bacterial communities of P. mali infected versus non-infected Cacopsylla melanoneura clearly indicates that the presence of P. mali is related to a drastic reduction of bacterial community diversity. We hypothesize a causal relationship where the vector microbiota plays a protective role against P. mali. Some of the endosymbionts we have identified, particularly secondary endosymbionts including a likely new Wolbachia strain, might become possible biological control agents for fighting this important plant disease. The insect microbiota can influence the presence and transmissibility of vector-borne microbial pathogens, but the mechanisms behind this type of interaction are still widely unexplored. We have investigated this complex interplay using as a model the apple proliferation disease that is caused by the bacterium Canditatus Phytoplasma mali (P. mali) and vectored by leafhoppers of the genus Cacopsylla. Metagenomic comparison of the bacterial communities of P. mali infected versus non-infected Cacopsylla melanoneura clearly indicates that the presence of P. mali is related to a drastic reduction of bacterial community diversity. We hypothesize a causal relationship where the vector microbiota plays a protective role against P. mali. Some of the endosymbionts we have identified, particularly secondary endosymbionts including a likely new Wolbachia strain, might become possible biological control agents for fighting this important plant disease. ENA-FIRST-PUBLIC 2021-01-05 ENA-LAST-UPDATE 2016-05-13