[Association of phytoplasma with Bermuda grass white-leaf disease].

OBJECTIVE: Bermuda grass white leaf is an important disease on Bermuda grass all over the world. The aim of this research is to identify the pathogen which leads to Bermuda grass white leaf occurring on the Chinese mainland. METHODS: PCR amplification technique, sequence analysis and Southern hybridization were used. RESULTS: A 1.3 kb fragment was amplified by PCR phytoplasma universal primers and total DNA sample extracted from ill Bermuda grass as the amplified template. Sequence analysis of the amplified fragment indicated it clustered into Candidatus Phytoplasm Cynodontis. Southern hybridization analysis showed differential cingulums. CONCLUSION: The pathogen of Bermuda grass white leaf on the Chinese mainland contains phytoplasma, which provides a scientific basis for further identification, prevention and control of the disease.