Phytopathogenic Mollicutes

SCOPUS
  • Year: 2024
  • Volume: 14
  • Issue: 2

Molecular and morphological identification of leafhoppers as potential vectors of phytoplasmas in pigeon pea crops in Andhra Pradesh, India

  • Author:
  • Kudithipudi Suhas1, Madem Gurivi Reddy2,*, Bommu Veera Bhasakra Reddy3, Karanam Venkatachalapathi Hari Prasad4, Sree Garimidi Teja4
  • Total Page Count: 5
  • Published Online: Feb 12, 2025
  • Page Number: 94 to 98

1Department of Plant Pathology, S.V. Agricultural College, Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, Tirupati-517502, Andhra Pradesh, India

2Department of Plant Pathology, Agricultural College, Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, Mahanandi-518502, Andhra Pradesh, India

3Department of Plant Pathology, Agricultural Research Station, Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, Kadiri-515591, Andhra Pradesh, India

4Department of Entomology, S.V. Agricultural College, Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, Tirupati-517502, Andhra Pradesh, India

Abstract

Phytoplasma diseases in pigeon pea, once considered minor, have emerged as a significant biotic challenge, leading to substantial economic yield losses. These diseases are predominantly transmitted by leafhoppers. During the 2024 “kharif” season, a survey was conducted in pigeon pea fields affected by phyllody and little leaf diseases at S. V. Agricultural College, Tirupati, India. Insect samples were collected for both morphological and molecular identification. Based on morphological traits and multiple sequence alignment of the COXI gene, three distinct leafhopper species were identified. Among these, Hishimonus phycitis was positive to the presence of 16SrII-D phytoplasmas and therefore recognized as a potential vector of the phytoplasma infecting symptomatic pigeon pea plants in the same fields.

Keywords

Phyllody, COXI gene, Hishimonus phycitis, Molecular identification