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DNA-based methods for the detection and the identification of phytoplasmas in insect vector extracts

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Abstract

DNA extraction and storage methods have been evaluated with laboratory-reared leafhoppers and/or field-collected leafhoppers and psyllids. Detection of four different phytopathogenic phytoplasmas, belonging to three taxonomic groups, has been achieved by several direct or nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods with such DNA extracts. Reactions differed in both the 16/23S ribosomal primer pairs used and the specific assay and cycling conditions. Merits and possible hindrances of the various primer pairs, in relation to insect DNA extracts, are discussed. However, identification of the phytoplasma(s) necessarily relied on comparison of the polymorphism in length of the amplified DNA fragments obtained by restriction with appropriate endonucleases. Endonuclease digestion is crucial for determining the identity (subgroup affiliation) of phytoplasmas of the same groups that can be carried by an individual vector.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Di. Va.P.R.A. — Entomologia e Zoologia applicata all’ambiente “Carlo Vidano,”, Università degli Studi di Torino, Via Leonardo da Vinci 44, 10095, Grugliasco (TO), Italy

    Domenico Bosco, Simona Palermo, Giovanna Mason, Rosemarie Tedeschi & Guido Boccardo

  2. Istituto di Virologia Vegetale, CNR, Strada dekke Cacce, 73, 10135, Toprine, Italy

    Cristina Marzachì

Authors
  1. Domenico Bosco
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  2. Simona Palermo
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  4. Rosemarie Tedeschi
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  5. Cristina Marzachì
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  6. Guido Boccardo
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Bosco, D., Palermo, S., Mason, G. et al. DNA-based methods for the detection and the identification of phytoplasmas in insect vector extracts. Mol Biotechnol 22, 9–18 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1385/MB:22:1:009

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