Phytoplasmas in papaya: detection and identification

Papaya diseases associated with phytoplasmas enclosed in diverse ribosomal groups have been reported all over the world except in Europe. In this study, ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma solani’ was detected for the first time in symptomatic papaya plants cultivated in Italy. The identification was performed through nested-PCR/RFLP and sequencing on the 16S ribosomal gene. The characterization of the phytoplasma strains was obtained from their secY, tuf, stamp and vmp1 gene sequences. Isolation of endophyte microorganisms from symptomatic tissues led to obtain colonies in which phytoplasmas were detected.