Phytoplasma-associated diseases in stone fruits, pomegranate and grapevine in Jordan

Field surveys and molecular-based analyses revealed the presence of almond and pomegranate phytoplasma-associated diseases and confirmed the diffusion of grapevine yellows in Jordan. Seven ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma’ species belonging to eight ribosomal subgroups were identified in symptomatic almond trees, four ‘Ca. Phytoplasma’ species belonging to five ribosomal subgroups were identified in symptomatic pomegranate trees, and four ‘Ca. Phytoplasma’ species belonging to four subgroups were identified in symptomatic wine making and table grape cultivars. Preliminary results were obtained on additional host plants and putative insect vectors of these phytoplasmas