Scientists at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences ( UF / IFAS ) have recorded the first North American case of a harmful phytoplasma disease know for its scourge to fruit , veg , and ornamental crops in South America and the Middle East .
To make matters worse , scientists sustain the host for the disease to be one of the most noxious and chop-chop spreading weeds commonly found in a wide mountain range of surround throughout the United States and Canada . finding of the “ First study of ‘ Cadidatus Phytoplasma brasiliense ’ in North America and in a new master of ceremonies , sensationalistic nutsedge ( Cyperus esculentus ) ” were just published in the diary “ Plant Health Progress . ”
Brian Bahder in his research lab extract from sample at UF IFAS ( Photo courtesy Tyler Jones ) .
“ The host of the disease is known as one of the most far-flung and baffling locoweed found everywhere – called icteric nutsedge , ” said Brian Bahder , supporter professor of entomology at UF / IFAS Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center . “ It is one of the most strong-growing weeds that commonly grows in lawn , menage landscapes , vegetable and flower gardens , and agricultural systems . ”
The phytoplasma species call Candidatus Phytoplasma brasiliense is document in part of Brazil and Peru to harm hibiscus , papaya and cauliflower . Subsequently , research show the same mintage taint stunner in the Middle East land of Azerbaijan .
Lethal bronzingBahder and his team confirmed the phytoplasma and host in Fort Pierce . They found it while conduct research for a different disease – Lethal Bronzing – that attacks palm trees . Scientists were surveying and examination samples of grasses in hope of finding a man-made lake for deadly bronzing .
Research has shown that the adult planthopper worm that carries Lethal bronzing feeds on the palm tree ’s canopy , and the nymphs have been recorded among more than 40 species of grasses and sedge .
Because of the close connection of nymphs with Mary Jane and sedge , supposition has rise about the power of these plant to serve as a reservoir for the Lethal bronzing phytoplasma , Bahder said .
For the survey , scientists sampled three of the most abundant Mary Jane known to serve as a host to the nymphs , chicken nutsedge being one of them .
Right : this sampling B of yellow nutgrass is not infect with the phytoplasma . Sample A , above , is infected with the bacteria . Photo courtesy of Brian Bahder .
ResultsWhile testing the sample , three of the outcomes resulted in a positive solution .
“ We think we had find Lethal bronzing in one of the grasses , so we move to genetically sequence the sample , ” said Bahder . “ The results confirmed it was not lethal bronzing but that it was another phytoplasma . ”
The DNA sequencing of that specimen confirm their findings of a new phytoplasma in this smoke , tape for the first meter in North America .
Implications of the disease and its spread through this weed stimulate scientists to view it a threat to USDA and ornamental diligence . UF / IFAS scientist are seeking financing for the next step of research .
“ The next legitimate tone is to discover out which worm is spreading the disease . The good tidings is that we caught this early , ” said Bahder . “ We do n’t bang if this is an set-apart incident or if the louse is spreading in the grass , and if it will bung on the papaya , hibiscus or Brassica oleracea botrytis – which are economically significant in Florida . The point is that we do n’t know the extent of this disease in Florida or what terror it nonplus .
