Identification of Nedotepa curta Dmitriev as a potential vector of the Côte d'Ivoire lethal yellowing phytoplasma in coconut palms sole or in mixed infection with a 'Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris'-related strain. (August 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kwadjo, Koffi Eric; Beugré, N.'Djiha Isabelle; Dietrich, Christopher H.; Thierry Kodjo, Adaba Tano; Atta Diallo, Hortense; Yankey, Ndede; Dery, Sylvester; Wilson, Michael; Konan Konan, Jean Louis; Contaldo, Nicoletta; Paltrinieri, Samanta; Bertaccini, Assunta; Arocha Rosete, Yaima
• Is Part Of: Crop protection. Volume 110(2018)
• Page Start: 48
• Page End: 56
• Publication Date: 2018-08
• Subjects: Coconut lethal yellowing -- Phytoplasma -- Potential vector -- 16SrXXII -- Côte d'Ivoire -- Nedotepa curta; Plants, Protection of -- Periodicals; 632.05
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cropro.2017.12.015
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0261-2194

Abstract

Abstract: Over 360 Hemiptera specimens were collected using sweep nets and hand-made aspirators from coconut palm fronds in six villages of Grand-Lahou. Eight families were identified including Aphrophoridae, Achilidae, Derbidae, Flatidae, Membracidae, Pentatomidae, Tropiduchidae, and Cicadellidae, the latter being the most abundant throughout the surveyed villages. PCR assays with primers targeting the 16S rRNA and the sec A translocation protein genes yielded PCR amplicons from 216 out of 296 (73%) of the tested specimens of a newly identified cicadellid leafhopper, Nedotepa curta Dmitriev. PCR amplicons were purified, cloned and sequenced. The 16S rDNA and sec A sequences from N. curta showed a 99% of sequence identity with those of the Côte d'Ivoire lethal yellowing (CILY) phytoplasma, member of subgroup 16SrXXII-B ' Candidatus Phytoplasma palmicola'-related strain, previously identified in coconut-growing villages of Grand-Lahou. This suggested N. curta as a potential vector for the CILY phytoplasma. Four symptomatic coconut palms (7.4%) were found infected by a phytoplasma of group 16SrI, in mixed infection with the CILY phytoplasma (16SrXXII-B) in two palms, and alone in the other two palms, where the CILY phytoplasma was not detected. The 16SrI phytoplasma was also found in two N. curta specimens, and in the weeds Dalbergia saxatilis and Baphia nitida . Results indicating that mixed infection of both 16SrXXII-B and 16SrI phytoplasmas occurs in coconut palms affected by CILY in Grand-Lahou, and may impact disease management and control. Highlights: N. curta, a newly described member of the tribe Erythroneurini is a potential vector of the CILY phytoplasma. Mixed infection between the CILY phytoplasma (16SrXXII-B, ' Ca. P. palmicola'-related strains), and a phytoplasma of group 16SrI ' Ca. P. asteris', naturally occur in coconut farms of Grand-Lahou, Côte d'Ivoire. Dalbergia saxatilis and Baphia nitida are two new alternative hosts for the 16SrI ' Ca. P. asteris' strain identified in coconut palms in Côte d'Ivoire.