European Journal of Plant Pathology (2017) 149, 117-125

Jam Nazeer Ahmad, Samina J.N. Ahmad, Muhammad Aslam, Muhammad Aijaz Ahmad, Nicoletta Contaldo, Samanta Paltrinieri and Assunta Bertaccini (2017)
Molecular and biologic characterization of a phytoplasma associated with Brassica campestris phyllody disease in Punjab province, Pakistan
European Journal of Plant Pathology 149 (1), 117-125
Abstract: A phytoplasma-associated disease was identified in Brassica campestris (sarson) plants during a survey conducted in Punjab province of Pakistan in 2014–2016. The symptomatic plants showed characteristic symptoms of phyllody and witches' broom. Phytoplasma presence was detected by polymerase chain reaction on 16S ribosomal and tuf DNAs, followed by RFLP analysis and sequence comparison of the 16S rRNA and tuf genes. The phytoplasma detected was classified in a new ribosomal subgroup designed 16SrIX-H. The phytoplasma presence in phloem tissues of symptomatic sarson samples was also confirmed through light microscopy and transmission studies to healthy plants through dodder and the leafhopper Orosius albicinctus. This is the first report of identification of 16SrIX-H subgroup phytoplasma associated with sarson and its natural vector in Pakistan.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Assunta Bertaccini, Nicoletta Contaldo

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
general biology - morphology - evolution

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	16SrIX phytoplasma group	Brassica - other species	Pakistan