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Association of stolbur phytoplasmas with diseased tomatoes in Italy *
Author(s) -
Favali M. A.,
Musetti R.,
Fossati F.,
Vighi C.
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
eppo bulletin
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.327
H-Index - 36
eISSN - 1365-2338
pISSN - 0250-8052
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2338.2000.tb00908.x
Subject(s) - hybrid , phloem , biology , phytoplasma , sterility , horticulture , catharanthus roseus , botany , genotype , restriction fragment length polymorphism , biochemistry , gene
Since 1989, tomato plants showing symptoms of stolbur disease have been sporadically noticed at the ‘Stuard Experimental Farm for Agriculture’in the Province of Parma, Emilia‐Romagna region (north Italy). In this farm, one of the largest in Italy for tomato plantation, more than 36 commercial tomato lines have been comparatively evaluated for suitability for processing into diced or crushed tomato products. Recently, among these lines, some plants of two hybrids (Perfect Peel, TI 991) showed the typical symptoms of ‘stolbur’infection (yellowing and reduction of leaves, sterility or fruit alterations, stunting of the plants). In order to protect these plants, as Perfect Peel is one of the most important commercial hybrids, transmission electron microscopy was used to identify the pathogens responsible for the disease and to study the alterations caused in cells. Phytoplasmas were observed in the phloem cells of leaf and stem tissues of the two tomato hybrids and also in Catharanthus roseus used as test plant. This is the first report of identification, by electron microscopy, of stolbur phytoplasma affecting economically important tomato crops in Emilia‐Romagna region.