First Report of Bacterial Wilt in Mandevilla (= Dipladenia) splendens 'Red Riding Hood' in the United States Caused by Ralstonia solanacearum Biovar 3.

In November of 2007, 6-inch rooted cuttings of Mandevilla (= Dipladenia) splendens 'Red Riding Hood' were submitted from a greenhouse in Indiana to the Purdue Plant and Pest Diagnostic Lab. Plants exhibited leaf dieback, wilting, and reduced top growth. Microscopic observation revealed no fungal structures within the roots, stems, and leaves; however bacterial streaming was observed from the cut edge of stem and root tissue using ×100 magnification with phase contrast.

Optimized Quantification of Unculturable Candidatus Liberibacter Spp. in Host Plants Using Real-Time PCR.

Citrus huanglongbing (HLB) is caused by the phloem-limited and psyllid-vectored Candidatus Liberibacter spp. and is a destructive disease of citrus that is rapidly increasing in importance. The disease was reported recently in the principle citrus-producing areas of São Paulo, Brazil in 2004 and in Florida in 2005.