Year: 2025
Type: conference-paper
Abstract: Plums are a fruit culture of national economic importance, however, the productivity of these fruit crops is threatened by numerous pathogens, including phytoplasmas. Phytoplasmas are wall-less microorganisms that colonize the phloem and affect the tree growth systemically. Main symptoms of phytoplasma infection at plums include stunted growth, yellowing and reddening of leaves, and reduced fruit yield. The spread of phytoplasmas is facilitated by insect vectors and perennial plants. Monitoring the presence of phytoplasma allows to control its spread within the region. The aim of the research was the molecular analysis of the presence or absence of pathogens from the genus ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma’ including the species ‘Ca. P. solani’ in local plum. Molecular detection of phytoplasma was carried out on different plum genotypes collected from experimental plots of IGPPP, MSU in 2024. Samples for analysis were collected in spring during the first ten days of April, and in autumn — during the second ten days of October 2024. DNA was isolated using SDS method from thin sections of plum branches and leaves. Molecular analysis was performed using nested-PCR techniques with ribosomal primers P1\P7 specific for ‘Ca. P. spp’ and 16Sr396 F\R for phytoplasma species ‘Ca. P. solani’. Results were visualized after electrophoresis in 1.5 % agarose gel under UV light. Initially, a molecular analysis was conducted to determine the presence or absence of phytoplasma in plums of three groups: Stanley (4 years old), President (4 years old), and Stanley (10 years old). For the analysis, 15 branches were collected from the Stanley and President trees (both 4 years old), and 20 branches from the Stanley trees (10 years old). No phytoplasma presence was detected in the analyzed genotypes of plum. The same result was obtained in October. Taking into account these negative results on the Stanley and President genotypes, other genotypes such as Angelina, Superpresident and Udlinionnaia were included in the analysis. For the tests, 12–15 leaves were collected from individual plum trees. The molecular analysis confirmed the absence of phytoplasma in all studied plum genotypes. Additionally, to confirm phytoplasma presence in the IGPPP fields, tomatoes were taken for analysis. The results confirmed a widespread infection in tomato. So, despite the high level of phytoplasma infection observed in the tomato field, the presence of phytoplasma was not detected in plum trees either in spring or after the fruit harvest. Thus, phytoplasma infection does not currently present a real threat to plums orchards in Moldova. Nevertheless, future monitoring phytoplasma spread is essential for effective control and accurate epidemiological assessment of phytoplasmosis in the region.
Institution: Moldova State University
Language: English
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W7204719829