Detection and Characterization of Phytoplasma Pathogen in Alfalfa and in its Potential Vector in Saudi Arabia

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is cultivated as a forage crop in many countries including Eastern province of Saudi Arabia. Phytoplasma like symptoms on alfalfa were noticed in Alhasa region. Hence plant samples showing witches broom symptoms and leafhoppers were analysed by DNA extraction and amplification with phytoplasma-specific primers. Phytoplasmas were detected in 43/76 alfalfa samples and 16/33 batches of all leafhopper species tested. No PCR products were obtained for asymptomatic plant samples. The work confirmed that phytoplasmas are infecting alfalfa crop in Alhasa, Saudi Arabia, and the leafhopper species viz. Empoasca decipiens (Paoli) and Cicadulina bipunctata (Melichar) were identified as potential vectors for the spread.