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ARS Home » Northeast Area » Beltsville, Maryland (BARC) » Beltsville Agricultural Research Center » Molecular Plant Pathology Laboratory » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #324802
Title: Criteria for phytoplasma 16Sr group/subgroup delineation and the need of a platform for proper registration of new groups and subgroups

Author
item Zhao, Yan
item Davis, Robert

Submitted to: International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/24/2016
Publication Date: 5/1/2016
Citation: Zhao, Y., Davis, R.E. 2016. Criteria for phytoplasma 16Sr group/subgroup delineation and the need of a platform for proper registration of new groups and subgroups. International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology. 66:2121-2123. doi: 10.1099/ijsem.0.000999.

Interpretive Summary: Phytoplasmas are a large group of bacteria that lack cell walls. These bacteria infect diverse plants, causing diseases in numerous agriculturally and environmentally important plant species. Proper identification and classification of phytoplasmas are important to disease management. Currently, diverse phytoplasmas are classified into groups and subgroups according to their genetic relatedness. As more and more new phytoplasmas are discovered in emerging and re-emerging plant diseases worldwide, the system for classification of phytoplasmas is experiencing an ongoing rapid expansion. Improper delineation or designation of new groups and subgroups can open potential conflicts in classifying newly identified phytoplasma strains. In order to maintain the integrity of the classification system, we clarify the minimal standards for delineation of new phytoplasma groups and subgroups. We also propose to establish a platform for proper registration and tracking of established groups and subgroups. Our work will be of interest to scientists studying genetic diversity of bacterial pathogens, and will be of interest to farmers and extension personnel for disease diagnosis and management. Our work is also critical to regulatory agencies for preventing exotic pathogens from being introduced into the U.S.

Technical Abstract: As more phytoplasmas are discovered in emerging and re-emerging plant diseases worldwide, the scheme for classification of phytoplasmas into 16S rRNA gene RFLP (16Sr) groups and subgroups is experiencing an ongoing rapid expansion. Improper delineation or designation of new groups and subgroups can open potential conflicts in classifying newly identified phytoplasma strains. To maintain the integrity of the classification scheme, criteria for delineation of new groups and subgroups must be followed, and proper registration should be required to track established groups and subgroups.