Molecular characterization of a Candidatus Phytoplasma aurantifolia-related strain associated with Zinnia elegans phyllody disease in Iran

摘要

Zinnia elegans plants showing symptoms of phyllody, virescence, witches’ broom, little leaf and yellowing were observed in Bandar Abbas, Hormozgan Province, Iran. Analysis showed that the phytoplasma shares a 99% sequence identity with “Candidatus Phytoplasma aurantifolia” and is a strain related to this species. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of the occurrence of a 16SrII phytoplasma infecting Zinnia elegans flowers.