1. Genetic Variability of Palm Lethal Decline Phytoplasmas in the Caribbean Basin and Florida, U.S.A., Based on a Multilocus Analysis.
- Author
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Soto N, Helmick EE, Harrison NA, and Bahder BW
- Subjects
- DNA, Bacterial genetics, Ecosystem, Florida, Phylogeny, Plant Diseases, RNA, Ribosomal, 16S genetics, Arecaceae, Phytoplasma genetics
- Abstract
Palm lethal decline phytoplasmas are an important group of plant pathogens that cause death in a variety of palm species throughout the Caribbean basin and the southeastern United States. The 16SrIV-D phytoplasma was introduced to the state of Florida, United States; it has since caused severe economic losses to the green industries of Florida and is threating natural ecosystems because of its ability to infect the native palm Sabal palmetto . In this study, the genetic variability of the 16SrIV-D phytoplasma was assessed over a 10-year period to determine if multiple introductions had occurred or if natural mutations were occurring. Furthermore, the genetic variability of the palm lethal decline phytoplasma group (16SrIV) was assessed with a multiple locus analysis using the 16S ribosomal RNA gene, the 16S-23S intergenic spacer region, and secA and groEL genes. Overall, no variability of the 16SrIV-D phytoplasma was documented in Florida over a 10-year period. The multilocus analysis showed support for three distinct species of the phytoplasma in the Caribbean basin that infect palms and further support that the 16SrIV-C from Tanzania is not closely related. Furthermore, 16SrIV-B and 16SrIV-D were found to be the same phytoplasma based on 100% identity between the two based on intergenic spacer region, secA , and groEL analysis. This study represents the first robust, multilocus analysis of palm-infecting phytoplasmas from the Caribbean and sheds light on the phylogeny and evolution of the group.
- Published
- 2021
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