Nested PCR assay for detection of sugarcane grassy shoot phytoplasma in the leafhopper vector Deltocephalus vulgaris: a first report |
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| Authors: | S Srivastava V Singh P S Gupta O K Sinha A Baitha |
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| Institution: | Division of Crop Improvement, and;Division of Crop Protection, Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research, Lucknow –226 002, India |
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| Abstract: | Nymphs of Deltocephalus vulgaris , the leafhopper vector of sugarcane grassy shoot (SCGS) disease, fed on SCGS-infected and healthy sugarcane leaves, and SCGS-infected and healthy plant tissue of sugarcane cv. CoLk 8102, were examined by nested PCR using phytoplasma-specific rRNA operon primers for detection of the SCGS phytoplasma. Samples of SCGS-infected plants with symptoms and SCGS-exposed D. vulgaris nymphs yielded SCGS-exclusive DNA bands when nested PCR was performed. Negative results were obtained when symptomless plant host and unexposed insect vector samples devoid of phytoplasma DNA templates were used. Such a reliable molecular tool for the precise detection of SCGS phytoplasma in the D. vulgaris population would help forecast the potential of secondary spread of SCGS in a susceptible sugarcane variety, and may facilitate control of the disease. |
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| Keywords: | grassy shoot disease insect vector molecular detection rRNA Saccharum SCGS |
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