DETECTION OF EUROPEAN FRUIT TREE PHYTOPLASMAS AND THEIR INSECT VECTORS IN IMPORTANT FRUIT-GROWING REGIONS IN BULGARIA

摘要

Apple proliferation (AP), caused by 'Candidates Phytoplasma mali', European stone fruit yellows (ESFY), caused by 'Candidates Phytoplasma prunorum' and Pear decline (PD) caused by 'Candidates Phytoplasma pyri' are one of the most important fruit treediseases in Europe, but their distribution in Bulgaria is not well known. During 2010 - 2013, the presence and the spread of the fruit tree phytoplasmas and their vectors were investigated in one of the major fruit tree growing regions in Bulgaria. All psyllid species described as vectors of fruit tree phytoplasmas were present in the investigated areas. Phytoplasma infection in plant and psyllid samples was analyzed by universal and specific PCR. A total of 86 plant samples and 1569 insect samples obtained from 11 different sites were tested. As result, all three phytoplasmas were detected in their hosts and vectors in five different geographical regions of Bulgaria. This is the first report of'Co. P. mali' and 'Ca. P. pyri' in Sofia region as well asof 'Ca. P. prunorum' in Sofia and Kjustendil regions. This is also the first report of a 'Co. P. pyri' detection in Cacopsylla bidens which might be a further vector of PD.