Abstract: 【Aim】 To investigate the effect of ATP6 protein of the leafhopper Psammotettix alienus on the transmission efficiency of wheat blue dwarf phytoplasma (WBDp). 【Methods】 cDNA was synthesized by reverse transcription from the mRNA of P. alienus, and then a cDNA library was constructed with cDNA using a split-ubiquitin yeast two-hybrid membrane system. Protein P2-4 related to the transmission of WBDp was used as bait to screen interacting proteins by hybridizing with the cDNA library of P. alienus. The effect of ATP6 protein on the WBDp transmission by the 3rd instar nymphs of P. alienus was verified by RNAi of ATP6 gene. 【Results】 A cDNA library of P. alienus using a split-ubiquitin yeast two-hybrid membrane system was constructed. Several interacting proteins including ATP6 were obtained in cDNA library using P2-4 as the bait. Silencing of ATP6 gene by RNAi significantly reduced the transmission rate of WBDp by the 3rd instar nymphs of P. alienus by 23.33%±3.33% as compared with the control group, indicating that ATP6 is a key protein involved in WBDp transmission by P. alienus. 【Conclusion】 ATP6 of P. alienus has been identified as a key protein involved in the transmission of WBDp. This study provides a theoretical basis for further understanding the molecular mechanisms of WBDp transmission by P. alienus and controlling phytoplasma diseases in fields.

Key words: Psammotettix alienus, wheat blue dwarf phytoplasma, yeast two-hybrid system, ATP6, RNA interference