Five samples were collected from neem trees exhibiting little leaf and witches’ broom in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, India during August 2019 surveys. Molecular analyses were conducted for detection, identification and characterization of phytoplasmas associated with this disease. The identity of phytoplasmas detected in neem samples was confirmed through PCR/RFLP analyses using phytoplasma 16Sr RNA gene universal primers and primers amplifying portions of the secA and leu genes. In all the positive samples, the presence of a ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma trifolii’-related strain was identified. The phytoplasma identification was confirmed by 100% identity with ‘Ca. P. trifolii’ strains. The RFLP analyses on 16S ribosomal gene allowed to determine that this phytoplasma could be enclosed in 16SrVI-D subgroup. RFLP and sequencing analyses on secA gene showed also the presence of a strain related to ‘Ca. P. asteris’, indicating the presence of mixed infection with two phytoplasmas. This is the first report of 16SrVI and 16SrI mixed phytoplasma infection in severely symptomatic neem trees.
Pacini F., G.F. (2020). Molecular characterization of phytoplasmas infecting neem trees in India. PHYTOPATHOGENIC MOLLICUTES, 10(2), 158-165 [10.5958/2249-4677.2020.00020.1].
Molecular characterization of phytoplasmas infecting neem trees in India
Pacini F.
Primo
Membro del Collaboration Group
;G. FeduziMembro del Collaboration Group
;N. Contaldo;A. BertacciniUltimo
Writing – Review & Editing
2020
Abstract
Five samples were collected from neem trees exhibiting little leaf and witches’ broom in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, India during August 2019 surveys. Molecular analyses were conducted for detection, identification and characterization of phytoplasmas associated with this disease. The identity of phytoplasmas detected in neem samples was confirmed through PCR/RFLP analyses using phytoplasma 16Sr RNA gene universal primers and primers amplifying portions of the secA and leu genes. In all the positive samples, the presence of a ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma trifolii’-related strain was identified. The phytoplasma identification was confirmed by 100% identity with ‘Ca. P. trifolii’ strains. The RFLP analyses on 16S ribosomal gene allowed to determine that this phytoplasma could be enclosed in 16SrVI-D subgroup. RFLP and sequencing analyses on secA gene showed also the presence of a strain related to ‘Ca. P. asteris’, indicating the presence of mixed infection with two phytoplasmas. This is the first report of 16SrVI and 16SrI mixed phytoplasma infection in severely symptomatic neem trees.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
