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Exploring the Root Microbiome: Extracting Bacterial Community Data from the Soil, Rhizosphere, and Root Endosphere
Published on: May 2, 2018
Phytoplasmas: diversity, taxonomy, and epidemiology
1DiSTA, Plant Pathology, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, viale Fanin, 42, 40127 Bologna, Italy. Bertaccini_A@biblio.cib.unibo.it
Frontiers in Bioscience : a Journal and Virtual Library
|November 28, 2006
Summary
Phytoplasma diseases, caused by wall-less prokaryotes, are globally significant. Molecular tools now enable classification and epidemiological studies to prevent phytoplasma spread.
Area of Science:
- Plant Pathology
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Phytoplasmas are wall-less prokaryotic plant pathogens causing globally significant, often quarantine-important diseases.
- Traditional cultivation for Koch postulates is challenging, necessitating alternative diagnostic and classification methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the molecular, biological, and epidemiological characteristics of phytoplasmas associated with major worldwide plant diseases.
- To highlight the advancements in phytoplasma classification and the potential for epidemiological studies.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing specific primers for conserved genes like 16S ribosomal RNA for phytoplasma identification.
- Employing molecular probes derived from phytoplasma genomes for discrimination and classification.
- Leveraging graft and insect transmission as alternative methods to fulfill Koch postulates.
Main Results:
- Molecular techniques allow for the discrimination and classification of different phytoplasma strains.
- A growing body of knowledge facilitates epidemiological investigations into phytoplasma-associated diseases.
Conclusions:
- Molecular tools have revolutionized phytoplasma classification and diagnosis.
- Understanding phytoplasma characteristics is crucial for developing strategies to control their spread and mitigate disease epidemics.
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