Seed transmission of phytoplasmas in tomato and chilli varieties commonly grown in Mauritius

Tomato and chilli leaf samples were collected from plants showing stunting, reduced leaf size, leaf yellowing and leaf and fruit distortions in different localities across Mauritius. Disease incidence at field level ranged from 5 to 60% in tomato and from 10 to 50% in chilli. The presence of 16SrI phytoplasmas was detected in 80% symptomatic tomato and 75% symptomatic chilli plants. Seeds from mature tomato and chilli fruits collected from phytoplasma positive mother plants were sown under insect proof conditions. After 4 to 6 weeks, germinated seedlings were checked for the presence of phytoplasmas. A total of 1% tomato and 4.2% chilli seedlings were positive to 16SrI phytoplasmas. This is the first report of phytoplasmas in chilli and also of phytoplasma transmission through seeds in both tomato and chilli in Mauritius.