Occurrence and diversity of phytoplasmas detected in clematis and their relationships with grapevine "flavescence doree" phytoplasmas

Abstract

A three-year survey conducted in Italy and in some of the Balkan countries to study grapevine yellows epidemiology showed that clematis plants were positive for phytoplasmas of the 16SrV ribosomal group that in grapevine is associated with "flavescence doree" (FD), a quarantine disease. Molecular data from 16Sr RNA, rpL22-S3 and SecY genes showed the presence of different FD phytoplasma isolates belonging to the 16SrV-C ribosomal subgroup. Infected clematis plants were found in areas where FD phytoplasma has never been detected in grapevine. Among all leafhoppers collected, only Dietyophara europaea were PCR-positive to the FD phytoplasma.