Acerola shoot proliferation induced by a phytoplasma enclosed in the subgroup 16SrIII-F

Acerola bushes were observed showing symptoms of shoot proliferation, generalized stunting, yellowing and decline. Since these are typically induced by phytoplasmas, this survey was carried out with the aim detecting, identifying classifying supposed phytoplasma present in symptomatic bushes. Total DNA extracted from asymptomatic samples used nested PCR conducted primer pairs R16mF2/mR1 followed R16F2n/R2. Amplifications expected genomic fragments 1.2 kb revealed presence 73 % samples. Molecular analyses, using computer-simulated RFLP patterns, similarity coefficient calculation phylogenetic analysis allowed for bacterium as a ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma pruni’ – related strain (subgroup 16SrIII-F). The same healthy acerola plants inoculated grafting showed molecular identity identified naturally infected Although various strains belonging to distinct subgroups within 16SrIII group have been previously Brazil, is first report representative 16SrIII-F subgroup Brazilian agroecosystem. Considering that phytoplasmas can be systemically distributed throughout plant vegetatively propagated, it recommended propagation material obtained mother free pathogen.