Molecular characteristics of a ۱۶SrII subgroup C phytoplasma strain associated with camelthorn witches'-broom disease in Iran

Camelthorn (Alhagi spp.) is an ecologically significant perennial weed in Iran. A recent survey indicated a potential phytoplasma-induced disease affecting its populations. Since ۲۰۱۷, symptoms such as the little leaf, yellowing, internode shortening, witches’-broom, and stunting have been noted in camelthorn plants in Chahgeer (Abarkooh, Yazd Province). To identify the causal agent, total DNA was extracted from symptomatic and asymptomatic plants and analyzed using nested PCR with P۱/P۷ and R۱۶F۲n/R۱۶R۲ primer pairs. Phytoplasma DNA was detected exclusively in symptomatic plants. Sequence analysis confirmed a high degree of identity with previously characterized ۱۶SrII-C subgroup phytoplasma strains. Additionally, simulated RFLP, pairwise homology, and phylogenetic analyses further validated its classification within the ۱۶SrII-C subgroup. The identified phytoplasma is closely related to pathogens causing witches’ broom disease in regional crops, including Prunus armeniaca, Daucus sativa, Prunus persica, and Medicago sativa, suggesting its possible role in disease epidemiology. This study provides the first molecular evidence linking camelthorn witches’-broom to ۱۶SrII-C phytoplasma, highlighting its significance in the spread of phytoplasma-associated diseases in the region.

کلیدواژه ها:

Alhagi maurorum ، PCR ، RFLP