Abstract

MARTINEZ-BUSTAMANTE, Verónica Inés et al. The Brazilian Huanglongbing disease-associated phytoplasma is present in Citrus spp in Hidalgo state, Mexico. Rev. mex. fitopatol [online]. 2019, vol.37, n.1, pp.170-184.  Epub Aug 21, 2020. ISSN 2007-8080.  https://doi.org/10.18781/r.mex.fit.1812-3.

This work had the purpose of detecting the presence of phytoplasmas associated to HLB-like symptoms, a disease caused by CLas, to improve the sampling and detection carryout in official phytosanitary actions in the Mexican citriculture. Base on alerts of negative results to CLas in citrus trees with putative symptoms of HLB, directed samplings were conducted in commercial orchards and country backyards in Hidalgo, Colima, Puebla and Veracruz in 2012, 2013 and 2018. The total DNA was analyzed by PCR with the primers P1 / P7 nested with R16F2 / R16R2 and D7f2 / D7r2. CLas infection was assessed with A2 / J5 primers. The presence of the Brazilian Huanglongbing disease-associated phytoplasma, member of the 16Sr IX group, associated with C. latifolia (NCBI, MK282760) and C. aurantifolia (NCBI, MK282761) was confirmed inducing similar but contrasting symptoms to those caused by CLas. These hosts are reported for the first time in addition to the original report on C. sinensis in Brazil. Bidens odorata and Cajanus cajan are also reported as probable alternate weed hosts as well as the presence of specimens of Graphocephala and Acinopterus (Cicadellidae), genera recognized with vector species of 16Sr III-A and Aster Yellow phytoplasma groups, respectively.

Keywords : Nested-PCR; Mollicutes; HLB; vector.