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Journal Article

Malagnini V, Pedrazzoli F, Papetti C, Cainelli C, Zasso R, Gualandri V, Pozzebon A, and Ioratti C. 2013 Ecological and genetic differences between Cacopsylla melanoneura (Hemiptera, Psyllidae) populations reveal species host plant preference. PLoS ONE 8(7): e69663.

Abstract: The psyllid Cacopsylla melanoneura is considered one of the vectors of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma mali’, the causal agent of apple proliferation disease. In Northern Italy, overwintered C. melanoneura adults reach apple and hawthorn around the end of January. Nymph development takes place between March and the end of April. The new generation adults migrate onto conifers around mid-June and come back to the host plant species after overwintering. In this study we investigated behavioural differences, genetic differentiation and gene flow between samples of C. melanoneura collected from the two different host plants. Further analyses were performed on some samples collected from conifers. To assess the ecological differences, host-switching experiments were conducted on C. melanoneura samples collected from apple and hawthorn. Furthermore, the genetic structure of the samples was studied by genotyping microsatellite markers. The examined C. melanoneura samples performed better on their native host plant species. This was verified in terms of oviposition and development of the offspring. Data resulting from microsatellite analysis indicated a low, but statistically significant difference between collected-from-apple and hawthorn samples. In conclusion, both ecological and genetic results indicate a differentiation between C. melanoneura samples associated with the two host plants.

Journal Article

Crișan I, Ona A, Vârban D, Muntean L, Vârban R, Stoie A, Mihăiescu T, Morea A. 2023. Current Trends for Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Mill.) Crops and Products with Emphasis on Essential Oil Quality. Plants (Basel). 12 (2) :357. doi: 10.3390/plants12020357. PMID: 36679071.

Abstract:
Lavender is in the research spotlight due to its increasing economic importance, while market demand is expected to continue to grow. Among the hundreds of essential-oil-bearing plants, Lavandula angustifolia Mill. remains one of the most valuable. This paper explores the lavender chain timeline from crop to products, examining the expanding knowledge on the characteristics, phytochemical profile and functional potential of lavender that could lead to new products and uses. Lavender crops can be expanded without competing for productive land, instead using marginal, contaminated or unproductive land. A novel cultivation trend proposes leveraging agri-background biodiversity, arbuscular mycorrhiza and the natural enemies of pests for healthy crops. Together with breeding efforts targeting highly performant genotypes with complex volatile profiles coupled with resistance to specific biotic (particularly Phytoplasma) and abiotic (salt, heavy metals) stressors, industry could have a steady supply of high-quality raw material. Besides the expansion of the uses of essential oil in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food and environmental and agri-applications, novel channels have appeared for the use of the solid by-product, which is rich in polyphenols and polysaccharides; these channels have the potential to create additional streams of value. The stabilization and optimization of techno-functional delivery systems through the encapsulation of essential oil can extend shelf-life and enhance biological activity efficiency.

Screening Aid/Fact Sheet/Pest Alert

Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), India  

This Central Plantation Crops Protection Research Institute (CPCPRI) web page describes and illustrates diseases and pests of some economically important crops in India. It covers root wilt disease (Phytoplasma 16Sr XI group), leaf rot (Exerohilum rostratum), bud rot, Ganoderma /Thanjavur wilt, stem bleeding, fruit rot and immature nut fall, lethal wilt disease of coconut ( ‘'Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris'’-related strain belonging to 16SrI group), rhinoceros beetle, red palm weevil, coconut eriophid mite, coconut black headed caterpillar (Opisina arenosella), rugose spiralling whitefly, root grub (Leucopholis coneophora). coreid bug (Paradasynus rostratus), yellow leaf disease (YLD), fruit rot and bud rot of arecanut, inflorescence dieback and button shedding, anabe roga or foot rot disease (Ganoderma applanatum), root grub (Leucopholis spp.), spindle bug, Pentatomid bugs (Halyomorpha picus), black pod and stem canker disease, Cherelle rot, and mealy bug.

Journal Article, Molecular Data

Mehle N. 2021. Diagnostic Protocol: 'Candidatus Phytoplasma phoenicium'. Bulletin OEPP/EPPO Bulletin 51: 587-599.

This EPPO diagnostic standard about 'Ca P. phoenicium strains (members of the subgroup 16SrIX-B and 16SrIX-D), causal agents of almond witches' broom (in Prunus dulcis, Prunus persica [peach], Prunus nucipersica [nectarine], and other Prunus spp.), covers disease symptoms accompanied by photos, detection, screening, identification, and more.

Image Gallery, Screening Aid/Fact Sheet/Pest Alert

CABI PlantwisePlus Knowledge Bank

This species page contains photos and a description of symptoms and lists which ones manifest on which plant parts.

Journal Article, Molecular Data

Washington Invasive Species Council, United States of America

This objective of this study was to identify a phytoplasma expressing symptoms in blackberry and characterize it at the molecular level using RFLP and multigene sequencing analysis.  Based on the results of the study, the authors propose this pathogen be classified as a novel ribosomal sub-group Candidatus Phytoplasma rubi 16SrV-I.

Screening Aid/Fact Sheet/Pest Alert

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Screening Aid/Fact Sheet/Pest Alert

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Screening Aid/Fact Sheet/Pest Alert

Pennsylvania State University, United States of America

This extension web page has a table showing disease, symptoms, pathogen/cause, and management of ash diseases anthracnose (Gloeosporium aridum), decline, Ganoderma root rot (Ganoderma lucidum), Laetiporus root rot (Laetiporus sulfureus), rust (Puccinia sparangioides), and Yellows (Phytoplasma).

Screening Aid/Fact Sheet/Pest Alert

University of Wisconsin, United States of America

Ash yellows disease, also called lilac witches'-broom, is caused by Candidatus Phytoplasma fraxinii, and infects species of ash trees.  This fact sheet describes symptoms accompanied by a photo.

Screening Aid/Fact Sheet/Pest Alert

Missouri Botanical Garden, United States of America

The causal agent of ash yellows (aka decline of ash) is Candidatus Phytoplasma fraxinii and infects species of ash (Fraxinus).  This fact sheet describes symptoms seen on ash trees and includes several photos.

Image Gallery, Screening Aid/Fact Sheet/Pest Alert

British Columbia Wine Council, Canada

"Grape Diseases" image collection shows symptomatic images with brief descriptions of the following: powdery mildew, botrytis bunch rot (Botrytis cinerea), sour rot, penicillium rot, crown galls, esca, blackfoot disease (Cylindrocarpon sp.), eutypa canker (Eutypa lata), botryosphaeria decline and canker, roesleria root rot (Roesleria subterranea), Grapevine leafroll virus (GLRV), Grapevine fanleaf virus (GFLV), grapevine rupestris stem pitting disease, grapevine corky bark disease, and bois noir ('Candidatus Phytoplasma solani').

Blog

Bibiloni, J.

This pathogen produces witches' broom symptoms and shoot and needle malformation in coniferous trees. This blog presents information and images of symptoms.

Taxonomic Description, Journal Article, Molecular Data

Valiunas, D. Staniulis, J. and Davis, R.E.

This research paper identifies a novel 'Ca. Phytoplasma' species from cultivated strawberries exhibiting strawberry yellows disease in Lithuana. The authors based their conclusion on evidence collected from phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences (phylogenetic tree, comparative analysis of putative restriction sites, and RFLP analysis), host, and location.

Fact Sheet Collection

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)

This webpage provides standardized guidelines for conducting a grape commodity-based detection survey in the U.S. and its territories. The new format provides a link for the introduction, which contains information on the survey background and planning, trapping and visual survey instructions, and sample submission. The introduction, along with the pest datasheets (as links at bottom of webpage), forms the survey reference. Datasheets for pests Autographa gamma, Candidatus Phytoplasma australiense, Candidatus Phytoplasma vitis, Cryptoblabes gnidiella, Epiphyas postvittana, Eupoecilia ambiguella, Heteronychus arator, Lobesia botrana, Pseudopezicula tracheiphila, Spodoptera littoralis, Spodoptera litura, and Thaumatotibia leucotreta (syn. Cryptophlebia leucotreta).

Screening Aid/Fact Sheet/Pest Alert

European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization (EPPO)

'Candidatus Phytoplasma solani' is associated with bois noir disease of grapes (Vitis vinifera) and stolbur disease of peppers (Capsicum annuum), apples (Malus domestica), corn (Zea mays), stone fruits (Prunus spp.), potatoes and tomatoes (Solanum spp.). It is mainly spread by insects in the Cixiidae and Cicadellidae families. This EPPO data sheet includes information on taxonomy and nomenclature, hosts, distribution, dispersal, biology, symptoms, detection and inspection methods, and pest significance.

Journal Article

Li, Z.-N., Bai, Y.-B., Liu, P., Zhang, L, Wu, Y.-F.

Candidatus Phytoplasma ziziphi is the causal agent of jujube witches'-broom and has been reported on apple trees in China. This brief research paper describes the use of transmission electron microscopy and RFLP analyses to diagnose the disease, and includes images of symptoms and of RFLP patterns.

Molecular Search

United Stated Department of Agriculture, USDA

This web page provides tools for Candidatus phytoplasma species assignment and 16 Sr group/subgroup classification based on 16S rrnA gene sequences. The current version of iPhyClassifier contains the following three program modules: a sequence similarity search and pairwise sequence similarity score calculation module (PM1), an intelligent sequence trimming and virtual RFLP analysis module (PM2), and a virtual electrophoresis gel image plotting module (PM3).

Image Gallery, Screening Aid/Fact Sheet/Pest Alert

European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization (EPPO)

The stolbur pathogen Candidatus phytoplasma solani is associated with diseases of grapevine (bois noir), corn (maize redness) and important crops (stolbur) including peppers (Capsicum annuum), apples (Malus domestica), corn (Zea mays), stone fruits (Prunus spp.), potatoes and tomatoes (Solanum spp.). It is mainly spread by insects in the Cixiidae and Cicadellidae families.  EPPO database provides photos of symptoms, host lists, interactive distribution information and access to prior documents and reporting of the pathogen.

Screening Aid/Fact Sheet/Pest Alert

British Society for Plant Pathology, United Kingdom

This brief report describes the finding of Candidatus Phytoplasma ziziphi in the Bahrain district of India. This pathogen is associated with witches' broom of jujube in China, Japan and Korea. The report includes photograph of damage symptoms.

Screening Aid/Fact Sheet/Pest Alert

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)

This document lists diseases of palms caused by various strains of Candidatus Phytoplasma palmae, Candidatus Phytoplasma cocosnigeriae, Candidatus Phytoplasma cocostanzaniae, Candidatus Phytoplasma cynodotis, Candidatus Phytoplasma malaysianum and Candidatus Phytoplasma oryzae. It discusses biology, infection symptoms, vectors, hosts and distribution of Candidatus phytoplasma palmae, with photographs of symptoms and of vector Haplaxius crudus (Myndus crudus).

Screening Aid/Fact Sheet/Pest Alert

Pavlovic, S., Starovic, M., Stojanovic, S., Aleksic, G., Kojic, S., Zdravkovic, M., Josic, D.

This brief report discusses abnormal development of floral structures, bud proliferation, and witches' broom symptoms in pot marigolds associated with 16SrII Candidatus Phytoplasm solani subgroup A (stolbur). A photograph of damage is included.

Screening Aid/Fact Sheet/Pest Alert

Obura, E., Masiga, D., Midega, C. A. O., Wachira, F., Pickett, J. A., Deng, A. L., Khan, Z. R.

Candidatus Phytoplasma cynodontis has been associated with Bermuda grass white leaf disease. This new disease report includes a photograph of disease symptoms and discusses the techniques used for identification of the disease organism.

Screening Aid/Fact Sheet/Pest Alert

United States Department of Agiculture (USDA)

This web page contains information about phytoplasma diseases of grapevines including grapevine yellows phytoplasmas, flavescence dorée (Candidatus Phytoplasma vitis) and bois noir (Candidatus Phytoplasma solani). Links to photographs of symptoms and to other information are available.

Image Gallery, Screening Aid/Fact Sheet/Pest Alert

RLP AgroScience, Germany

This German webpage focuses on apple proliferation disease caused by Candidatus Phytoplasma mali and primarily vectored in Europe by psyllids Cacopsylla picta and Cacopsylla melanoneura. The downloadable PDFs include photographs and information about symptoms, vectors, detection and spread.

Key, Image Gallery

European Cooperation in Science and Technology

This is the website of a multidisciplinary scientific European Network dedicated to the research on phytoplasma plant diseases. The website includes a information about current research, a gallery of photographs of disease symptoms, and links to other information sources. The page for insect vectors includes regional information, a table showing associations between phytoplasmas and their vectors and hosts, and a key to Central European Cacopsylla species.

Screening Aid/Fact Sheet/Pest Alert

Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Canada

This identification guide describes Candidatus Phytoplasma vitis 16SrV-C and Candidatus Phytoplasma solani 16SrXII-A symptoms and disease progress in grapes, and compares the symptoms to those of leaf-roll diseases and esca disease. Photographs of symptoms are included

Screening Aid/Fact Sheet/Pest Alert

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)

'Candidatus Phytoplasma vitis' is a provisional name for the phytoplasma associated with flavescence dorée disease (grapevine yellows) in Europe. This fact sheet includes a description, images of symptoms, potential distribution maps for North America, and information about biology and transmission. A known vector is leafhopper Scaphoideus titanus (the American grapevine leafhopper), but there are also other potential vectors.

Screening Aid/Fact Sheet/Pest Alert

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)

This fact sheet for the pine witches' broom phytoplasma contains a description, images of damage, and information about biology, hosts, distribution and diagnostic methods.

Journal Article, Molecular Data

Montano, H. G., Davis, R. E., Dally, E. L., Hogenhout, S., Pimentel, J. P., Brioso, P. S. T.

This research paper describes the molecular techniques used to identify this phytoplasma. It includes an image of disease symptoms.

Journal Article, Molecular Data

Schneider, B., Torres, E., Martin, M. P., Schröder, M., Behnke, H.-D., Seemüller, E.

This research paper describes the use of PCR and rRNA sequence analysis to identify this pathogen, and to evaluate its relationship to other phytoplasma species and strains.

Molecular Data, Screening Aid/Fact Sheet/Pest Alert

Institute of Botany, Vilnius, Lithuania

This presentation includes images of symptoms exhibited by infected pine trees, and information about PCR, RFLP,and rDNA sequence analysis used to identify the pathogen.

Journal Article, Molecular Data

Verdin, E., Salar, P., Danet, J.-L., Choueiri, E., Jreijiri, F., El Zammar, S., Gélie, B., Bové, J. M,, Gamier, M..

This research paper discusses PCR-RFLP analysis of this pathogen, and describes a PCR test used to detect the disease.

Journal Article, Molecular Data

Iranian Institute of Plant Production

This research paper discusses distribution, symptoms (with image), transmission, detection by electron microscopy and use of rRNA, and control of almond witches' broom (AlmWB) which is associated with Candidatus Phytoplasma phoenicium (16sIX-B).

Journal Article, Molecular Data

Win, N. K. K., Jung, H.-Y.

This research paper describes the process used for identification of this pathogen which was found on golden beard grass in Myanmar, and includes images of symptoms of the disease.

Journal Article, Molecular Data

Andersen, M. T., Beever, R. E., Sutherland, P. W., Forster, R. L. S.

This research paper describes the detection of phytoplasma DNA associated with cabbage tree sudden decline, discusses symptoms, and includes images of symptoms and of micrographs of infected cells.

Fact Sheet Collection, Molecular Data

Tsai, J., Falk, B. W.

This is a chapter in "Radcliffe's IPM World Textbook" and is available in English and Spanish. It discusses six tropical and subtropical diseases of corn (maize) caused by viruses, spiroplasma, and phytoplasma.

Journal Article, Molecular Data

Harrison, N. A., Womack, M., Carpio, M. L.

This paper reports on molecular analysis showing that the Texas Phoenix palm decline (TPD) phytoplasma is similar to the Carludovica palmata leaf yellowing (CPY) phytoplasma, which are both classified as members of subgroup 16SrIV-D.

Screening Aid/Fact Sheet/Pest Alert

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Candidatus Phytoplasma prunorum 16SrX causes European stone fruits yellow disease - ESFY, which is vectored by Cacopsylla pruni.

Journal Article

Sieslinska, M.

This paper discusses Candidatus Phytoplasma prunorum 16SrX, Candidatus Phytoplasma mali 16SrX, Candidatus Phytoplasma pyri 16SrX, Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris 16SrI, Candidatus Phytoplasma aurantifolia 16SrII, Candidatus Phytoplasma ziziphi 16SrV, Candidatus Phytoplasma fraxini 16SrVII, Candidatus Phytoplasma phoenicium 16SrIX, and potential species Candidatus Phytoplasma prunii 16SrIII and Candidatus Phytoplasma solani 16SrXII.

Screening Aid/Fact Sheet/Pest Alert

American Phytopathological Society (APS), United States of America

This disease is caused by Candidatus Phytoplasma palmae 16SrIV.

Screening Aid/Fact Sheet/Pest Alert

University of Florida, United States of America

This disease is caused by Candidatus Phytoplasma palmae 16SrlV, which is vectored by planthopper Myndus crudus (synonyms Haplaxius crudus and Myndus cocois).

Molecular Data, Screening Aid/Fact Sheet/Pest Alert

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Screening Aid/Fact Sheet/Pest Alert

Department of Agriculture, Australia

Candidatus Phytoplasma prunorum 16SrX affects stone fruit trees including apricot, cherry, peach, and Japanese plum.

Journal Article, Molecular Data

This bacteriumis is associated with European stone fruit yellows (ESFY), a severe disease of Prunus spp. (mainly apricot and Japanese plum trees).  It is vectored by Cacopsylla pruni.

Screening Aid/Fact Sheet/Pest Alert

Clemson Univeristy, United States of America

This site discusses peach rosette, peach yellows, little peach, and red suture.

Journal Article

Università di Udine, Italy

This disease is caused by a phytoplasma that is vectored by the psyllid Cacopsylla pruni.

Image Gallery, Molecular Search, Host-Based Search or Focus, Molecular Data

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)

The site provides access to databases with information about phytoplasma including classification, host plants, vectors and molecular data.

Journal Article, Molecular Data

C.R.A. Istituto Sperimentale per la Frutticoltura SOP, Italy

This document contains information about Candidatus Phytoplasma mali 16SrX / Phytoplasma AP-MLO.

Screening Aid/Fact Sheet/Pest Alert

Hawaii Department of Agriculture, United States of America

The watercress leafhopper is an undescribed species that has been collected in Hawaii. This new pest advisory describes the bug, a known vector of the highly destructive aster yellows phytoplasma, and includes images of adult leafhoppers, and healthy and infected watercress plants.

Journal Article, Molecular Data

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)

This article contains molecular and phylogenetic data regarding causal agent of Australian grapevine yellows disease.

Journal Article, Molecular Data

Annual Review of Microbiology, Annual Reviews, United States of America

This publication discusses recent and continuing research into phytoplasmas, including their morphology, symptoms, and transmission; molecular-based detection, identification, and classification; taxonomy (including discussion of Candidatus species), the phytoplasma genome, and ecological diversity.

Journal Article

Bulletin of Insectology

This publication briefly discusses five phytoplasma diseases known to New Zealand, four of which (phormium yellow leaf, strawberry lethal yellows, cordyline sudden decline, and coprosma lethal decline) are associated with Candidatus Phytoplasma australiense. The fifth disease, poinsettia branch-inducing phytoplasma, is attributed to an exotic phytoplasma.

Screening Aid/Fact Sheet/Pest Alert

University of Florida, United States of America

This article contains information about Witches' Broom Disease of Lime (WBDL), which is caused by Candidatus Phytoplasma aurantifolia.

Key, Taxonomic Description, Journal Article, Checklist/Catalog

Dollet M, Fidelis EG, and Dos Passos E, Da Silva F, Aberlenc HP, Schurt DA, Bahder B, Diniz LC, and Bartlett CR. 2020. Derbid Planthoppers (Hemiptera: Fulgoroidea: Derbidae) Associated with Coconut and Oil Palm in Brazil. Neotropical Entomology 49: 722–738. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13744-020-00788-5

Abstract: We present surveys of derbid planthoppers associated with coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) and oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) collected in Northeastern (Sergipe) and North (Pará and Roraima) Brazil. The surveys were intended to contribute to our knowledge of possible vectors of phytoplasmas or other phloem-restricted plant pathogens. Eight derbid taxa were found, two in the subfamily Cedusinae, tribe Cedusini (Cedusa yipara Kramer and C. yowza Kramer) and six in the subfamily Derbinae, tribe Cenchreini: Herpis sp., Persis pugnax Stål, Omolicna anastomosa (Caldwell), O. nigripennis (Caldwell), and two new species in the genus Agoo Bahder & Bartlett are described here. Genus-level features between Omolicna and Agoo are discussed and a key to the species of Agoo is provided.

These pests are sometimes called the palm derbid.

Host-Based Search or Focus, Journal Article, Molecular Data

Edwin BT and Mohankumar C. 2007. Kerala wilt disease phytoplasma: Phylogenetic analysis and identification of a vector, Proutista moesta. Physiological and Molecular Plant Pathology 71 (1–3): 41-47. doi.org/10.1016/j.pmpp.2007.10.002.

Abstract: Kerala wilt disease of coconut palm is a major threat of coconut production in Kerala caused by phytoplasma. The genomic DNA purified from the insect tissues of Proutista moesta (PM) and Stephanitis typica (ST) was subjected to PCR assay using the primer combination P1/P6, P1/P7 and P4/P7. The amplified products resolved a prominent band of 650bp for the universal primer P4/P7 and no bands were noticed for the primer pairs P1/P6 and P1/P7 combination. Since P4/P7 amplifies the 16S–23S intergenic spacer region of 16SrRNA gene, the PCR product 650bp of the insect PM indicate the phytoplasma DNA. The presence of 650bp for the primer P4/P7 in the genomic DNA isolated from P. moesta indicates the vectoral ability of the insect. No sign of amplification was noticed in the case of ST for the three sets of primers suggesting the inability of this insect as vector. The amplified product 650bp from the genomic DNA of KWD palms as well as the insect tissues of P. moesta was gel purified and sequenced. The sequential similarity of 650bp of both KWD phytoplasma and the insect phytoplasma supports the transmission of phytoplasma through the vector PM. Moreover, the sequence of 650bp was compared with other sequences of 26 coconut phytoplasmas so far reported internationally and a cladogram was prepared for determining the phylogenetic status. It is obvious from the cladogram that the KWD disease phytoplasma is evolutionarily closest to coconut phytoplasma of coconut lethal yellowing of Mexican palms within the group 16SrIV. Phylogenetically, KWD phytoplasma is grouped in the new subgroup 16SrIV-C subsequent to the groups 16SrIV-A and 16SrIV-B for Mexican coconut lethal yellowing and Tanzanian coconut lethal decline, respectively. The restriction enzyme analysis of the PCR product 650bp using the enzymes AluI, BclI, HindIII and RsaI further supports the phytoplasmic nature of DNA. This data records the first finding of the vector of Kerala wilt disease by detecting KWD phytoplasma in insect tissue of PM by PCR based methods. Moreover, the study reveals the phylogenetic status of KWD phytoplasma compared to other coconut phytoplasmas internationally.

P. moesta is sometimes called the palm derbid.