Survey and genetic diversity of phytoplasmas from the 16SrV-C and -D subgroups in Hungary

Abstract

In order to evaluate the risk represented by the wild reservoir as a possible source of ‘flavescence doree’ outbreaks in Hungary, diverse wild perennial plants growing in vineyard areas were tested for the presence of 16SrV-C and D subgroup phytoplasmas. 16SrV phytoplasmas were detected by nested PCR-RFLP on the 16SrDNA in alders (86% infected) and in clematis (71% infected). Further characterisation by sequencing of the map gene revealed in both plants strains having the same map gene sequence as ‘flavescence doree’ strains.