The dynamics of Napier grass stunt phytoplasma in East Africa

摘要

Phytoplasmas are obligate parasites of plant phloem and insect vectors which cause infections in hundreds of plant species resulting into serious economic losses worldwide. In East Africa, phytoplasmas belonging to the 16SrIII and XI groups infect Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schumach) in different environment causing similar symptoms including reduced plant vigour and eventual plant death. Other phytoplasmas such as Hyparrhenia grass white leaf (HGWL), goose-grass white leaf (GGWL), Bermuda grass white leaf (BGWL-16SrIV) and Napier grass stunt (NGS) - related phytoplasmas have also been detected in wild grasses.