Transmission of pear decline, European stone fruit yellows and other phytoplasmas to periwinkle via dodder
Pear decline (EPPO A2 quarantine pest), European stone fruit yellows (potential EPPO A2 quarantine pest, including the A2 quarantine pest apricot chlorotic leaf roll phytoplasma), Rubus stunt, Picris echioides yellows and cotton phyllody phytoplasmas were successfully transmitted via dodder (Cuscusta sp.) to periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus). Only European stone fruit yellows had previously been transmitted to periwinkle in previous experiments. This transmission to an experimental host offers advantages for future molecular studies, as phytoplasma titres are generally higher and periwinkle provides a better source than woody hosts for phytoplasmal nucleic acids, proteins and other immunogens.
Sources
Marcone, C.; Hergenhahn, F.; Ragozzino, A.; Seemüller, E; (1999) Dodder transmission of pear decline, European stone fruit yellows, Rubus stunt, Picris echioides yellows and cotton phyllody phytoplasmas to periwinkle.
Journal of Phytopathology, 147(3), 129-192.