Hishimonas aurifascialis, H. chinesis, and H. sellatus
None of these insect vectors are known to be present in the United States.
Method | Detail | NAPIS Survey Method |
---|---|---|
Visual | Collect symptomatic plant material. | 3031 - General Visual Observation |
Follow instructions in Phytoplasma Sample Screening and Confirmation
If you have completed phytoplasma specific training or proficiency testing for DNA extraction and real-time PCR from S&T Plant Pathogen Confirmatory Diagnostics Laboratory (PPCDL, formerly Beltsville lab), you can screen your own phytoplasma samples. Note: You will still have to follow the protocol in the linked document for confirmations.
Symptoms include the characteristic witches" broom appearance, in which the plant produces numerous small shoots with smaller than normal leaf size and yellowish green foliage, shortened internodes and excessive branching (Yu et al., 2012). Infection creates a typical yellow dwarf symptom in the whole plant, fruits may shrivel and prematurely drop, and the disease may commonly lead to decline and premature plant death (Wang et al., 2015).
Survey during the growing season when symptoms are most likely to be visible.
Survey where hosts are present.
The Identification Technology Program (ITP) has a collection of identification resources https://idtools.net/idAids/searchResults.cfm?searchString=phytoplasma&searchType=2
Molecular confirmation is required for identification. Symptoms may be similar to symptoms caused by other pathogens or abiotic stress.
To request a copy of diagnostic protocols, email the S&T Beltsville laboratory at APHIS-PPQCPHSTBeltsvilleSampleDiagnostics@aphis.usda.gov and use the subject line 'Diagnostic protocol request'.
If you are unable to find a reference, contact STCAPS@usda.gov. See the CAPS Pest Datasheet for all references.