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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Riverside, California » National Clonal Germplasm Repository for Citrus » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #214963
Title: Stubborn: Genetic Diversity of Spiroplasma Citri in California

Author
item Rangel, Benjamin
item Krueger, Robert

Submitted to: International Society of Citriculture Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/1/2004
Publication Date: 7/1/2007
Citation: Krueger, R. 2007. Stubborn: Genetic Diversity of Spiroplasma Citri in California. International Society of Citriculture Proceedings 806-809

Interpretive Summary: Citrus stubborn disease, caused by Spiroplasma citri, has caused economical losses to the citrus industry. As part of a project is to improve the detection methods for Spiroplasma using molecular techniques, we are assessing the genetic diversity of isolates from different locations throughout out California. We have used molecular techniques such as sequencing, RFLP, ITS, and AFLPÕs. Due to the reduced genome of the pathogen we have observed low levels of genetic diversity with the exception of AFLPÕs. AFLP did show some genetic differences which may or may not have any functional effects. Although genetic diversity was detected, the use of the spiralin primer appeared to detect all the isolates studied. We have selected the isolates with genetic differences and maintained them in vivo for further genetic analysis.

Technical Abstract: Citrus stubborn disease, caused by Spiroplasma citri, has caused economical losses to the citrus industry. Current detection methods are labor intensive and are not consistent. As part of a project is to improve the detection methods for Spiroplasma, we are assessing the genetic diversity of isolates from different locations throughout out California. We have used molecular techniques such as sequencing, RFLP, ITS, and AFLPÕs. Due to the reduced genome of the pathogen we have observed low levels of genetic diversity with the exception of AFLPOs. We have selected the isolates with genetic differences and maintained them in vivo for further genetic analysis. In addition to assessing the genetic differences, we have sequenced those unique fragments of particular interest to the isolates. This information should increase the knowledge of genetic diversity in S. citri as well as show the broad applicability of the detection methods across isolate types.