Detection of mulberry dwarf and onion yellows phytoplasmas by PCR from vector insects and nonvector insects

Abstract

Phytoplasmas were detected by PCR in vector leafhoppers Hishimonus sellatus and Macrosteles striifrons of onion yellows phytoplasma (OYP), and in a vector leafhopper H. sellatus of mulberry dwarf phytoplasma (MDP), respectively, after they fed on infected plants or were injected with the extract from infective insects. MDP was not detected by PCR in nonvector M. striifrons fed on infected plants, but was detected in preparations from whole bodies, headless bodies and heads of M. striifrons injected with the extract from infective insects. M. striifrons injected with infective MDP failed to transmit MDP to test plants.