Molecular Characterization of a Phytoplasma Associated with Potato Witches’‐broom Disease in Iran

Potato plants showing symptoms suggestive of potato witches’‐broom disease including witches’‐broom, little leaf, stunting, yellowing and swollen shoots formation in tubers were observed in the central Iran. For phytoplasma detection, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and nested PCR assays were performed using phytoplasma universal primer pair P1/P7, followed by primer pair R16F2n/R16R2. Random fragment length polymorphism analysis of potato phytoplasma isolates collected from different production areas using the CfoI restriction enzyme indicated that potato witches’‐broom phytoplasma isolate (PoWB) is genetically different from phytoplasmas associated with potato purple top disease in Iran. Sequence analysis of the partial 16S rRNA gene amplified by nested PCR indicated that ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma trifolii’ is associated with potato witches’‐broom disease in Iran. This is the first report of potato witches’‐broom disease in Iran.     

Association of a Phytoplasma with Pistachio Witches’ Broom Disease in Iran

Pistachio is an important crop in Iran, which is a major producer and exporter of pistachio nuts. The occurrence of a new disease of pistachio trees, characterized by the development of severe witches’ broom, stunted growth and leaf rosetting, was observed in Ghazvin Province. A phytoplasma was detected in infected trees by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of rRNA operon sequences. Nested PCR with primer pairs P1/P7 and R16F2n/R16R2 was used for specific detection of the phytoplasma in infected trees. To determine its taxonomy, the random fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) pattern and sequence analysis of the amplified rRNA gene were studied. Sequencing of the amplified products of the phytoplasma 16S rRNA gene indicated that pistachio witches’ broom (PWB) phytoplasma is in a separate 16S rRNA group of phytoplasmas (with sequence homology 97% in Blast search). The unique properties of the DNA of the PWB phytoplasma indicate that it is a representative of a new taxon.     

Molecular Identification of a 16SrII‐A Group‐Related Phytoplasma Associated with Cinnamon Yellow Leaf Disease in China

Chinese cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia Presl), an evergreen tree native to China, is a multifaceted medicinal plant. The stem bark of cinnamon is used worldwide in traditional and modern medicines and is one of the most popular cooking spices. In recent years, cinnamon with pronounced yellow leaf symptoms has been observed in their natural habitat in Hainan, China. Phytoplasmas were detected from symptomatic cinnamon trees via polymerase chain reaction using phytoplasma universal primers P1/P7 followed by R16F2n/R16R2. No amplification products were obtained from templates of asymptomatic cinnamon trees. These results indicated a direct association between phytoplasma infection and the cinnamon yellow leaf (CYL) disease. Sequence analysis of the CYL phytoplasma 16S rRNA gene determined that CYL phytoplasma is a ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma australasiae’‐related strain. Furthermore, virtual restriction fragment length polymorphism pattern analysis and phylogenetic studies showed that CYL phytoplasma belongs to the peanut witches’‐broom (16SrII) group, subgroup A. This is the first report of a 16SrII group phytoplasma infecting cinnamon under natural conditions.     

Detection and Identification of Elm Yellows Group Phytoplasma (16SrV) Associated with Alfalfa Witches’ Broom Disease

In July, 2011, alfalfa plants were observed in Yangling, Shaanxi Province, China with typical witches’ broom symptoms. The presence of phytoplasma was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy and a nested PCR, which amplified a 1.2‐kb fragment using universal primer pairs P1/P6 followed by R16F2n/R2. Sequence, phylogeny and RFLP analyses showed that the alfalfa witches’ broom disease was associated with a phytoplasma of group 16SrV, subgroup V‐B. This is the first record of the 16SrV phytoplasma group infecting alfalfa plants.     

Molecular Characterization of Phytoplasmas Associated with Potato Purple Top Disease in Iran

Potato plants with symptoms suggestive of potato purple top disease (PPTD) occurred in the central, western and north‐western regions of Iran. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and nested PCR assays were performed using phytoplasma universal primer pair P1/P7 followed by primer pairs R16F2n/R16R2 and fU5/rU3 for phytoplasma detection. Using primer pairs R16F2n/R16R2 and fU5/rU3 in nested PCR, the expected fragments were amplified from 53% of symptomatic potatoes. Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis using AluI, CfoI, EcoRI, KpnI, HindIII, MseI, RsaI and TaqI restriction enzymes confirmed that different phytoplasma isolates caused PPTD in several Iranian potato‐growing areas. Sequences analysis of partial 16S rRNA gene amplified by nested PCR indicated that ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma solani’, ‘Ca. Phytoplasma astris’ and ‘Ca. Phytoplasma trifolii’ are prevalent in potato plants showing PPTD symptoms in the production areas of central, western and north‐western regions of Iran, although ‘Ca. Phytoplasma solani’ is more prevalent than other phytoplasmas. This is the first report of phytoplasmas related to ‘Ca. Phytoplasma astris’, ‘Ca. Phytoplasma solani’ and ‘Ca. Phytoplasma trifolii’ causing PPTD in Iran.     

Identification and Molecular Characterization of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma mali’ Isolates in North‐western Italy

Apple proliferation (AP) is an important disease and is prevalent in several European countries. The causal agent of AP is ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma mali’ (‘Ca. Phytoplasma mali’). In this work, isolates of ‘Ca. Phytoplasma mali’ were detected and characterized through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analyses of 16S rRNA gene and non‐ribosomal DNA fragment. The presence of three AP subtypes (AT‐1, AT‐2 and AP‐15) was identified in 31 symptomatic apple trees and two samples each constituted by a pool of five insects, collected in north‐western Italy, where AT‐1 is a dominant subtype. Subsequent nucleotide sequence analysis of the PCR‐amplified 1.8 kb (P1/P7) fragment, containing the 16S rDNA, the 16S–23S intergenic ribosomal region and the 5′‐end of the 23S rDNA, revealed the presence of at least two phytoplasmal genetic lineages within the AT‐1 subtype, designed AT‐1a and AT‐1b. Moreover, in silico single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis based on 16S rDNA sequence can differentiate AT‐1 subtype from AT‐2 and AP‐15 subtypes. Our data showed a high degree of genetic diversity among ‘Ca. Phytoplasma mali’ population in north‐western Italy and underlined the possible use of the 16S rDNA analysis for the identification and the geographical origin assignation of isolates of AP phytoplasma. Molecular markers on 16S rDNA, here identified, could be useful for studying the epidemiology of AP disease.     

Molecular Characterization of Phytoplasmas Related to Apple Proliferation and Aster Yellows Groups Associated with Pear Decline Disease in Iran

Pear trees showing pear decline disease symptoms were observed in pear orchards in the centre and north of Iran. Detection of phytoplasmas using universal primer pair P1A/P7A followed by primer pair R16F2n/R16R2 in nested PCR confirmed association of phytoplasmas with diseased pear trees. However, PCR using group‐specific primer pairs R16(X)F1/R16(X)R1 and rp(I)F1A/rp(I)R1A showed that Iranian pear phytoplasmas are related to apple proliferation and aster yellows groups. Moreover, PCR results using primer pair ESFYf/ESFYr specific to 16SrX‐B subgroup indicated that ‘Ca. Phytoplasma prunorum’ is associated with pear decline disease in the north of Iran. RFLP analyses using HaeIII, HhaI, HinfI, HpaII and RsaI restriction enzymes confirmed the PCR results. Partial 16S rRNA, imp, rp and secY genes sequence analyses approved that ‘Ca. Phytoplasma pyri’ and ‘Ca. Phytoplasma asteris’ cause pear decline disease in the centre of Iran, whereas ‘Ca. Phytoplasma prunorum’ causes disease in the north of Iran. This is the first report of the association of ‘Ca. Phytoplasma asteris’ and ‘Ca. Phytoplasma prunorum’ with pear decline disease worldwide.     

Molecular Characterization of Phytoplasmas Associated with Peach Diseases in Iran

Recently, peach trees showing leaf rolling, little leaf, rosetting, yellowing, bronzing of foliage and tattered and shot‐holed leaves symptoms were observed in peach growing areas in the central and north‐western regions of Iran. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and nested PCR using phytoplasma universal primer pairs P1/Tint, R16F2/R2, PA2F/R and NPA2F/R were employed to detect phytoplasmas. The nested PCR assays detected phytoplasma infections in 51% of symptomatic peach trees in the major peach production areas in East Azerbaijan, Isfahan, ChaharMahal‐O‐Bakhtiari and Tehran provinces. Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analyses of 485 bp fragments amplified using primer pair NPA2F/R in nested PCR revealed that the phytoplasmas associated with infected peaches were genetically different and they were distinct from phytoplasmas that have been associated with peach and almond witches’‐broom diseases in the south of Iran. Sequence analyses of partial 16S rDNA and 16S–23S rDNA intergenic spacer regions demonstrated that ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma aurantifolia’, ‘Ca. Phytoplasma solani’ and ‘Ca. Phytoplasma trifolii’ are prevalent in peach growing areas in the central and north‐western regions of Iran.     

Molecular Identification of a Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris Associated with Cabbage Witches’‐Broom in China

In 2010, cabbages (Brassica oleracea L.) showing symptoms of proliferated axillary buds, crinkled leaves and plant stunting with shortened internodes typical to phytoplasma infection were found in a breeding facility in Beijing, China. Three symptomatic plants and one symptomless plant were collected, and total DNA was extracted from the midrib tissue and the flowers. With phytoplasma universal primers R16F2n/R16R2, a special fragment of 1247 bp (16S rDNA) was obtained from all three symptomatic cabbage plants, but not from the one symptomless cabbage plant. The 16S rDNA sequence showed 99% similarity with the homologous genes of the aster yellows group phytoplasma (16SrI group), and the phytoplasma was designed as CWBp‐BJ. Phylogenetic and computer‐simulated restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis of the 16S rDNA gene revealed that CWBp‐BJ belongs to subgroup 16SrI‐B. This is the first report of a phytoplasma associated with cabbage witches’‐broom in China.     

Niger Seed (Guizotia abyssinica), a New Host of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris’ in Iran

Shrubs of niger seed with phyllody and internode elongation symptoms suggestive of phytoplasma infections occurred in the central regions of Iran. Phytoplasma was detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and nested PCR amplifications using phytoplasma universal primer pairs P1/P7 and R16F2n/R16R2. Using aster yellows group–specific primer pair rp(I)F1A/rp(I)R1A, a fragment of 1212 bp of the rp genes was amplified from DNA samples of infected plants. Random fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analyses of R16F2n/R16R2‐amplified products using the CfoI restriction enzyme confirmed that Iranian niger seed phyllody phytoplasma is associated with aster yellows group phytoplasmas. Sequence analyses of the partial rp genes fragment indicated that the Iranian niger seed phyllody phytoplasma, which was collected from central regions of Iran, is related to ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris’. This is the first report of a phytoplasma infecting the niger seed plant.     

Effects of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris’ on the Volatile Chemical Content and Composition of Grindelia robusta Nutt.

Grindelia robusta, a perennial herb, contains an essential oil that is used as an antitussive, sedative, and analgesic agent. During the spring of 2007, ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris’‐related phytoplasmas were identified in plants showing virescence and phyllody symptoms. The qualitative and quantitative composition of the oil of healthy and infected plants was compared by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Samples from six symptomatic and five asymptomatic plants tested by nested PCR followed by RFLP analyses confirmed the presence of ‘Ca. P. asteris’ in all symptomatic samples. The oils from healthy and infected plants, obtained by steam distillation, contained 42 components; that of healthy plants contained a higher concentration of monoterpenes, especially limonene and bornyl acetate, which were nearly 50% higher.     

Multigene Sequence Analysis of Aster Yellows Phytoplasma Associated with Primrose Yellows

Primula acaulis (L.) Hill. plants showing stunting, leaf‐yellowing and virescence were first discovered in the Czech Republic. Polymerase chain reactions with subsequent restriction fragment length polymorphism analyses and sequencing enabled classification of the detected phytoplasmas into the aster yellows group, ribosomal subgroup 16SrI‐B, tufI‐B, rpI‐B, groELIB‐III and SecY‐IB subgroups. Phylogeny of the 16S rRNA gene sequences as well as sequence analysis of several chromosomal regions, such as the 16S‐23S ribosomal operon, ribosomal proteins, spc ribosomal protein operon, genes for elongation factor EF‐Tu, molecular chaperonin large subunit GroEL, immunodominant membrane protein, ribosome recycling factor, urydilate kinase, ATP‐ and Zn²⁺‐dependent proteases not only confirmed its affiliation with the ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris’ species but also enabled its detailed molecular characterization. The less researched regions of phytoplasma genome (amp, adk, hflB, pyrH‐frr genes) could be valuable as additional markers for phytoplasma through differentiation especially within the 16SrI‐B ribosomal subgroup.     

Association of Elm Yellows Subgroup 16SrV‐B Phytoplasma with a Disease of Hovenia dulcis

Japanese raisin (Hovenia dulcis) trees with typical phytoplasma‐like symptoms were observed for the first time in South Korea. The disease, named Japanese raisin witches’ broom, is progressively destructive. The cause of the graft‐transmissible disease was confirmed by electron microscopy and molecular studies. The 16S rDNA sequence analysis showed that the phytoplasma was closely related to the elm yellows (EY) group, ribosomal subgroup 16SrV‐B. The 16S‐23S rDNA intergenic spacer region, fragment of rp operon and secY gene sequences had 96–99% similarity with members of EY phytoplasma. Based on the sequence analyses and phylogenetic studies, it was confirmed that the phytoplasma infecting Japanese raisin trees in Korea belongs to the EY group.     

Molecular Identification of a ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma ziziphi’‐related Strain Infecting Amaranth (Amaranthus retroflexus L.) in China

Amaranth (Amaranthus retroflexus L.) is a common weed that grows vigorously in orchards, roadside verges, fields, woods and scrubland in China. In 2009, phytoplasma disease surveys were made in orchards in Beijing, China, and stem/leaf tissues were collected from asymptomatic amaranths. Direct PCR using universal phytoplasma primers P1/P7 detected 16S rRNA gene sequences in every DNA sample extracted from the symptomless amaranths. Sequence alignment and phylogenetic analyses of the 16S rRNA gene determined that the amaranth phytoplasma strain was related to ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma ziziphi’. Furthermore, virtual RFLP pattern analysis showed that the amaranth phytoplasma belonged to the 16SrV‐B subgroup. This is the first report of symptomless plants containing a ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma ziziphi’‐related strain.     

Identification of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris' (16SrI‐B) Causing Witches' Broom Disease of Mallotus japonicus in Korea

Mallotus japonicus with witches' broom disease were observed in Jeollabuk‐do, Korea. A phytoplasma from the infected leaves was identified, based on the 16S rDNA, 16S‐23S intergenic spacer region, and fragment of rp operon and tuf gene sequences. The 16S rDNA sequences exhibited maximum (99.7%) similarity with Iranian lettuce phytoplasma, the rp operon sequences exhibited 100% similarity with Goldenrain stunt phytoplasma, and the tuf gene sequences exhibited 99.8% similarity with Japanese spurge yellows phytoplasma. Results of the sequence analysis and phylogenetic studies confirmed that the phytoplasma associated with M. japonicus in Korea was an isolate of Aster Yellows group (subgroup16SrI‐B).     

Detection and Molecular Identification of Aster Yellows Phytoplasma in Date Palm in Egypt

Phytoplasma‐like symptoms were detected in date palm trees (Phoenix dactylifera L.) in Al‐Giza Governorate in Egypt. Symptoms varied from leaf chlorotic streaks, stunting and marked reduction in fruit and stalk sizes. Direct and nested PCR of symptomatic samples using P1/P7 and R16F2n/R16R2n primers, respectively, of the 16S rRNA gene, resulted in a DNA amplification product of c. 1.3 kbp. Symptomless samples collected from the same location and the healthy control produced no product upon amplification. Products were cloned into TOPO TA vector for sequencing. Data generated were deposited in the GenBank (Accession KF826615 ). A BLAST search showed that the sequence of the 16SrRNA gene shared ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris’ (16SrI group) with other isolates. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the isolate clustered with the date palm phytoplasma causing Al‐Wijam disease in Saudi Arabia.     

Molecular Characterization of Aster Yellows Subgroup 16SrI‐B Phytoplasma in Verbena × hybrida

Symptoms resembling phytoplasma disease were observed on Verbena × hybrida in Alanya, Turkey, during October 2013. Infected plants were growing as perennials in a flower border and showed symptoms of discoloured flowers, poor flower clusters, inflorescences with a small number of developed flowers and thickened fruit stalks. Electron microscopy examination of the ultra‐thin sections revealed polymorphic bodies in the phloem tissue of leaf midribs. The phytoplasma aetiology of this disease was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction of the 16S rRNA gene, the 16–23S rRNA intergenic spacer region and the start of the 23S rRNA gene using universal phytoplasma‐specific primer pair P1A/P7A, two ribosomal protein (rp) genes (rpl22 and rps3) (the group‐specific primer pair rp(I)F1A/rp(I)R1A) and the Tuf gene (group‐specific fTufAy/rTufAy primers) generating amplicons of 1.8 kbp, 1.2 kbp and 940 bp, respectively. Comparison of the amplified sequences with those available in GenBank allowed classification of the phytoplasma into aster yellows subgroups 16SrI‐B, rpI‐B and tufI‐B. This is the first report about molecular detection and identification of natural infection of the genus Verbena by phytoplasma and occurrence of the aster yellows group phytoplasma on an ornamental plant in Turkey.     

Detection and Identification of Aster Yellows Group Phytoplasma (16SrI‐C) Associated with Peach Red Leaf Disease

In 2011, typical symptoms suggestive of phytoplasma infection such as reddening of leaves were observed in peach trees in Fuping, Shaanxi Province, China. Phytoplasma‐like bodies were observed by transmission electron microscope in the petiole tissues of symptomatic peach trees. Products of c. 1.2 kb were generated from all symptomatic peach leaf samples by a nested polymerase chain reaction using phytoplasma universal primer pairs P1?P7 and R16F2n?R16R2, whereas no such amplicon was obtained from healthy samples. Results of phylogenetic analysis and restriction fragment length polymorphism suggested that the phytoplasma associated with such peach red leaf disease was a member of subgroup 16SrI‐C. To our knowledge, this is the first record of 16SrI‐C subgroup phytoplasma occurred in peach tree in China.     

Identification of a Novel 1033‐Nucleotide Deletion Polymorphism in the Prophage Region of ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’: Potential Applications for Bacterial Epidemiology

The prophage/phage region in the genome of ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’, an alpha‐proteobacterium associated with citrus Huanglongbing, included many valuable loci for genetic diversity studies. Previously, a mosaic genomic region (CLIBASIA_05640 to CLIBASIA_05650) was characterized, and this revealed inter‐ and intracontinental variations of ‘Ca. L. asiaticus’. In this study, 267 ‘Ca. L. asiaticus’ isolates collected from eight provinces in China were analysed with a primer set flanking the same mosaic region plus downstream sequence. While most amplicon sizes ranged from 1400 to 2000 bp, an amplicon of 550 bp (S550) was found in 14 samples collected from south‐western China. Sequence analyses showed that S550 was the result of a 1033 bp deletion which included the previously known mosaic region. The genetic nature of the deletion event remains unknown. The regional restriction of S550 suggests that the ‘Ca. L. asiaticus’ population from south‐western China is different from those in eastern China. The small and easy‐to‐detect S550 amplicon could serve as a molecular marker for ‘Ca. L. asiaticus’ epidemiology.