'Candidatus Phytoplasma aurantifolia'(PHYPAF)
Distribution details in Saudi Arabia
Current pest situation evaluated by EPPO on the basis of information dated
2021: Absent, unreliable record
According to Alhudaib et al. (2009), a lime decline disease has been observed in Al-Hassa region. Symptoms start as leaf yellowing and mottling. Internodes are shortened and branches decline until they become completely dried and necrotic, with no leaves and no fruit production. However, no witches' broom symptoms are observed. A phytoplasma has consistently been detected in diseased plants, as well as in a leafhopper (Empoasca decipiens) and weeds (Chenopodium murale, Plantago lanceolata and Convolvulus arvensis). But molecular studies suggested that this phytoplasma is distinct from 'Ca. P. aurantifolia' (98-99% identity).
According to Al-Subhi et al. (2021), isolates collected from Al-Hassa region (see above) were distinct from those collected from other regions in the Middle East. Considering also the differences in symptomatology, it is still unclear whether 'the isolates collected in Saudi Arabia belong to Ca. P. aurantifolia' .
According to Al-Subhi et al. (2021), isolates collected from Al-Hassa region (see above) were distinct from those collected from other regions in the Middle East. Considering also the differences in symptomatology, it is still unclear whether 'the isolates collected in Saudi Arabia belong to Ca. P. aurantifolia' .
* Alhudaib K, Arocha Y, Wilson M, Jones P (2009) Molecular identification, potential vectors and alternative hosts of the phytoplasma associated with a lime decline disease in Saudi Arabia. Crop Protection 28(1), 13-18.
* 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.
* 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.
| Country | State | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iraq | Absent, invalid record | ||
| Oman | Present, widespread | ||
| United Arab Emirates | Present, widespread |