Multiplex PCR for Discriminating Host Plant Associations of Hyalesthes obsoletus (Hemiptera: Cixiidae), a Key Vector and Driver of ‘Ca. Phytoplasma solani’ Epidemiology

Given the ecological and epidemiological specialization of Hyalesthes obsoletus, principle vector ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma solani’, primary objective this study was to develop molecular tools for discriminating three host plant associations populations: (i) Convolvulus arvensis–Urtica dioica (Ca–Ud), (ii) Vitex agnus-castus (Vac), (iii) Crepis foetida (Cf). The genetic diversity nearly full-length mitochondrial COI gene (1467 bp) analyzed compared among previously reported newly collected individuals on a wide geographic range. Multiplex PCR designed evaluated H. obsoletus based size amplified fragments: 1084 bp Cf association, 645 Ca–Ud 355 Vac association. Examples value combining data characteristics pathogen are provided. method is intended facilitate an accurate identification vector’s phylogenetic lineage, natural preference, transmission routes ‘Ca. P. solani’. When applied specimens from cultivated plants within agroecosystem combined with solani’ genotyping, should provide valuable information disease epidemiology, source(s) emergence, routes.