Journal of Phytopathology (2019) 167, 547-552

Chamran Hemmati, Mehrnoosh Nikooei and Assunta Bertaccini (2019)
Identification, occurrence, incidence and transmission of phytoplasma associated with Petunia violacea witches' broom in Iran
Journal of Phytopathology 167 (10), 547-552
Abstract: A petunia witches' broom (PvWB) disease, characterized by phyllody, virescence, witches' broom, little leaf and yellowing, was observed in municipal lands and parks in Bandar Abbas, Hormozgan province, Iran. The disease was present with an average incidence of 20%. PCR and sequencing analysis carried out on selected samples from symptomatic plants showed the presence of a phytoplasma associated with the disease. The molecular comparison of the 16S ribosomal gene indicated 99% sequence identity with the one of "Candidatus Phytoplasma australasia". This phytoplasma was transmitted to healthy petunia plants under experimental conditions by the leafhopper Orosius albicinctus that was then demonstrated to be a vector of this phytoplasma.
(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

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.
	Phytoplasma australasiae	Petunia (crop)	Iran