First report of Coconut lethal yellowing phytoplasma in Guatemala
In 2000, coconut trees (Cocos nucifera) showing symptoms of lethal yellowing (premature nutfall, necrosis of immature inflorescence, progressive frond yellowing and eventual death of the tree) were observed for the first time in Guatemala. These symptoms were seen at several sites along the Atlantic coast of Guatemala which runs between Belize and Honduras, two countries in which the disease is highly active. Palm tissues (from trunks, young leaves, inflorescences) were sampled from symptomatic and asymptomatic palm trees and tested (nested PCR with phytoplasma universal primers and specific primers of the lethal yellowing group). Results showed the presence of Coconut lethal yellowing phytoplasma (EPPO A1 list). RFLP profiles were similar to those obtained for isolates from Honduras and Florida (US). The phytoplasma was only detected in symptomatic trees. After this initial survey, more diseased coconut trees were observed along the Atlantic coast of Guatemala, but so far the disease has not been seen on the Pacific coast. This is the first report of Coconut lethal yellowing phytoplasma in Guatemala.
The situation of Coconut lethal yellowing phytoplasma in Guatemala can be described as follows: Present, first found in 2000, along the Atlantic coast.
Sources
Mejía, F.; Palmieri, M.; Oropeza, C.; Doyle, M.; Harrison, N.; Aguilar, E.; Narváez, M.; Estrada, R.; Ortiz, G. (2004) First Report of Coconut Lethal Yellowing Disease in Guatemala.
New Disease Reports.
http://www.bspp.org.uk/ndr/july2004/2004-28.asp