Genetic diversity of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma phoenicium’ strain populations associated with almond witches’ broom in Lebanon and Iran

Candidatus Phytoplasma phoenicium’ (subgroup 16SrIX-B) strains associated with almond witches’ broom disease in Lebanon and Iran were typed by PCR-based amplification and sequence analyses of rplV-rpsC and secY genes. Results showed that Iranian and Lebanese AlmWB-associated phytoplasma strain populations constitute at least two distinct genetic lineages, supporting previous evidence obtained through 16S rDNA analysis. Such genetic diversity reflects differences in biological features (i.e. insect vectors and plant hosts) of ‘Ca. P. phoenicium’ in Lebanon and Iran. Molecular markers identified within rplVrpsC and secY genes should be employed to improve the knowledge about ‘Ca. P. phoenicium’ ecology and almond witches’ broom epidemiology in the Middle East.