'Candidatus Phytoplasma cynodontis' (16SrXIV group) affecting Oplismenus burmannii (Retz.) P. Beauv. and Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop. in India

Abstract

A phytoplasma has been detected in Oplismenus burmannii (Retz.) P. Beauv. and Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop. plants with symptoms of chlorotic streaks and white leaf disease in India. By sequence and phylogenetic analyses of polymerase chain reaction-amplified rDNA sequences, the detected phytoplasma was identified as 'Candidatus Phytoplasma cynodontis', a member of the 16SrXIV group, and the causal agent of Bermuda grass white leaf disease. This is the first report on the occurrence of 'Ca. Phytoplasma cynodontis' in O. burmannii and D. sanguinalis grasses. © Australasian Plant thology ociety 2010.