Molecular characterization of a phytoplasma affiliated with the 16SrVII group representative of the novel 16SrVII-F subgroup.

Vernonia brasiliana is a wild perennial shrub frequently found in pasture areas. Plants of this species have been observed displaying typical symptoms induced by phytoplasmas, which were characterized by shoot proliferation, deformed leaves and leaf chlorosis. The present study confirmed the presence of phytoplasmas in association with affected plants.