EPPO Global Database

'Candidatus Phytoplasma aurantifolia'(PHYPAF)

Distribution details in Brazil (Minas Gerais)

Situation
Current pest situation evaluated by EPPO on the basis of information dated 2021: Present, restricted distribution
Comments
According to Silva et al. (2014), isolates related to 'C. P. aurantifolia' were collected from asymptomatic Citrus aurantifolia trees in Minas Gerais, Santa Catarina, and São Paulo. These isolates were placed within the 16SrII-C subgroup ('Ca. P. aurantifoliae belongs to 16SrII-B) .

Al-Subhi et al. (2021) conducted further studies and grouped the Brazilian isolates within the 16SrII-B subgroup, but noted some differences with those collected from Oman, UAE and Iran. In particular, no symptoms have been observed on citrus in Brazil. Further studies are needed to better understand the situation in Brazil.
References
* Al-Subhi AM, Al-Sadi AM, Al-Yahyai RA, Chen Y, Mathers T, Orlovskis Z, Moro G, Mugford S, Al-Hashmi KS, Hogenhout SA (2021) Witches’ broom disease of lime contributes to phytoplasma epidemics and attracts insect vectors. Plant Disease 105(9), 2637-2648.

* Queiroz RB, Donkersley P, Silva FN, Al-Mahmmoli IH, Al-Sadi AM, Carvalho CM & Elliot SL (2016) Invasive mutualisms between a plant pathogen and insect vectors in the Middle East and Brazil. Royal Society Open Science 3(12), 160557.

* Silva FN, Queiroz RB, Souza AN, Al-Sadi AM, Siqueira DL, Elliot SL, Carvalho CM (2014) First report of a 16SrII-C phytoplasma associated with asymptomatic acid lime (Citrus aurantifolia) in Brazil. Plant Disease 98(11), 1577.