Identification of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma’ species in “huanglongbing” infected citrus orchards in the Caribbean

Abstract “Huanglongbing” (HLB) is one of the most devastating diseases citrus orchards worldwide. Samples from 183 plants different cultivars and rootstock/cultivar combinations, showing HLB symptoms in three Caribbean countries (Cuba, Jamaica, Guadeloupe-France), were collected to verify possible co-infection ‘ Candidatus Phytoplasma’ Liberibacter’ species. The 64% samples resulted positive Ca . L. asiaticus ’ 27% diverse Phytoplasma’-related species, moreover about 14% infected with also found phytoplasmas, indicating presence mixed infection especially located Cuba. Moreover, Jamaica phytoplasma was detected. Moreover detection only phytoplasmas 11 symptomatic Cuba Guadeloupe without detection, confirmed that symptomatology cannot be sole criterium discriminate between two pathogens, molecular necessary identify single or infections. Diaphorina citri insects asiaticus’ confirming its active role dissemination pathogen. Only insect Cicadidae family, Guadeloupe, for presence. Considering belonging some species’ detected varieties, a relevant as reservoir can attribute orchards.