Monitoring of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma solani’ and “flavescence dorée” phytoplasma in south regions of the Russian Federation

The “flavescence dorée” (FD) phytoplasma is associated with a quarantine disease for Eurasian Economic Union and absent on all the territory of the Union. ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma solani’ is present in some Union's countries and causes serious damages in the viticulture of the southern regions of Russia. Results of monitoring for both phytoplasmas are reported. The existing vineyards and insect vectors of phytoplasmas were studied and applying PCR technology the “bois noir” disease agent was detected in some grapevine varieties such as Cabernet, Chardonnay, Merlot and Pinot Noir. The disease insect vector was identified as the planthopper Hyalesthes obsoletus. The analyses for FD phytoplasma detection were negative, however specimens of its insect vector Scaphoideus titanus were detected, but the phytoplasma was not present in their bodies and salivary glands.