PCR based detection of greening bacterium (Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus) in citrus

The causal agent of citrus greening disease was detected from total DNA isolated from midrib and petiole of leaves of citrus cultivars collected from citrus growing areas of the state showing yellowing with green veins or green islands and yellow mottling by PCR amplification of ribosomal protein gene. Amplified fragment of approximately 703bp was observed from leaf samples showing yellowing and mottling type of symptoms. Present studies indicated that b ribosomal protein gene can be used for quick detection of greening bacterium in citrus plants.