Multigene characterization of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma palmae’ strains infecting citrus species in Cuba

Surveys for the presence of ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’ in citrus showing “huanglongbing” symptoms in Cuba allowed the detection of citrus plants coinfected with ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma palmae’. The molecular characterization of these citrus infecting phytoplasmas confirmed that they are indistinguishable from phytoplasma strains previously detected in coconut during the lethal yellowing outbreak in the island in 2000. This finding suggests the possible loss of specificity in some ‘Ca. P. palmae’ strains confirming that their presence could represent a further threat to the Cuban citriculture.