Phytoplasma of 16SrVII-B subgroup associated to shoot proliferation in Physalis peruviana plants

Physalis is an herbaceous species native to the Andes region. Currently, it cultivated in various Brazilian states due economic interest of growers for this new fruit. plants grown field showed symptoms shoot proliferation, leaf malformation, and chlorosis. Since these are commonly induced by phytoplasmas, study investigated confirm presence prokaryotes symptomatic plants. After DNA extraction from asymptomatic plants, phytoplasmas were found all affected through nested PCR. Examination transmission electron microscopy (TEM) using appropriately prepared segments veins allowed visualization typical pleomorphic cells phloem The computer-simulated RFLP patterns phylogenetic analysis identifying detected as a ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma fraxini’-related strain belonging 16SrVII-B subgroup. Moreover, physalis was identified additional host 16SrVII group, expanding current knowledge on range group.