FIRST REPORT OF 'CANDIDATUS PHYTOPLASMA ULMI' IN ULMUS LAEVIS IN GERMANY
Abstract:
The wall-less bacteria of the provisory taxon 'Candidatus Phytoplasma' are obligate parasites and associated to diseases in many important crops and trees worldwide. 'Ca. Phytoplasma ulmi', assigned to 16SrV-A subgroup, is a quarantine pest and described to be associated to elm phloem necrosis, leaf yellowing, stunting, witches broom and decline in various elm species. Elm yellows phytoplasmas (EY) have been reported in several European countries but not in Ulmus laevis in Germany so far. Leaf samples from European white elms (Ulmus leavis PALL.) with and without chlorotic symptoms were investigated for EYs infection in Berlin and Brandenburg, Germany, through performing diagnostic nested PCR targeting partial rRNA operon of phytoplasmas. Specific PCR-products were obtained from 30 out of 59 samples. Partial 16S-rDNA sequences were assigned to 'Ca. P. ulmi' through sequence analysis, while sequence variation was observed. This is the first report of U. laevis infected with 'Ca. P. ulmi' in Germany.
Insights
Candidatus Phytoplasma ulmi, a quarantine pest, was detected in European white elms in Germany. This finding marks the first report of this elm yellows phytoplasma infecting Ulmus laevis in the region.
Area of Science:
- Phytopathology
- Bacteriology
- Plant Virology
Background:
- Phytoplasmas, wall-less bacteria, are obligate parasites causing significant diseases in crops and trees globally.
- 'Candidatus Phytoplasma ulmi' (16SrV-A subgroup) is a quarantine pest linked to elm phloem necrosis and decline.
- Elm yellows phytoplasmas (EY) are prevalent in Europe, but their presence in Ulmus laevis in Germany was previously undocumented.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of elm yellows phytoplasmas in European white elms (Ulmus laevis) in Germany.
- To identify phytoplasma species associated with chlorotic symptoms in Ulmus laevis.
Main Methods:
- Diagnostic nested PCR targeting the partial rRNA operon of phytoplasmas was employed.
- Leaf samples from symptomatic and asymptomatic Ulmus laevis in Berlin and Brandenburg, Germany, were analyzed.
- Sequence analysis of PCR products was performed for identification and variation assessment.
Main Results:
- Phytoplasma DNA was detected in 30 out of 59 analyzed Ulmus laevis samples.
- Sequence analysis confirmed the presence of 'Candidatus Phytoplasma ulmi'.
- Observed sequence variations within the detected 'Ca. P. ulmi' strains.
Conclusions:
- This study reports the first detection of 'Candidatus Phytoplasma ulmi' in Ulmus laevis in Germany.
- 'Ca. P. ulmi' is confirmed as a pathogen affecting Ulmus laevis in Berlin and Brandenburg.
- The findings highlight the need for monitoring and management of this quarantine pest in German elm populations.
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