In vitro transmission of 16SrIV phytoplasmas to coconut plants by in Yucatan, Mexico.

Unlabelled: The coconut palm is an important crop worldwide. In America, it is affected by lethal yellowing (LY) disease, associated with the presence of 16SrIV ribosomal group phytoplasmas. Studies in Florida using insect-proof cages indicate as a vector of LY phytoplasmas to palm species, including coconut.

Presence of 16SrIV phytoplasmas of subgroups A, D and E in planthopper Van Duzee insects in Yucatán, Mexico.

The present study was carried out to determine if group 16SrIV phytoplasmas, causing lethal yellowing (LY) disease, are present in Van Duzee (Hemiptera: Cixiidae) insects associated with palms in Yucatán, Mexico. feral insects were captured from palm foliage at two locations (Chicxulub Puerto and CICY, Mérida, where LY-type diseases are active) and evaluated individually for the presence of phytoplasma DNA by a group 16SrIV-specific nested PCR assay. The results showed positive detection in insects in a proportion of 2.