Survey for 'Candidatus Liberibacter' and 'Candidatus Phytoplasma' in Citrus in Chile

The considerable economic losses in citrus associated with 'Candidatus Liberibacter' and 'Candidatus Phytoplasma' presence have alerted all producing regions of the world. In Chile, none of these bacteria have been reported in citrus species. During the years 2017 and 2019, 258 samples presenting symptoms similar to those associated with the presence of these bacteria were examined. No detection of 'Ca. Liberibacter' associated with huanglongbing disease was obtained in the tested samples; therefore, this quarantine pest is maintained as absent in Chile. However, 14 plants resulted positive for phytoplasmas enclosed in subgroups 16SrV-A (12 plants) and 16SrXIII-F (2 plants). Although they have been found in other plant species, this is the first report of these phytoplasmas in citrus worldwide.

Automated summary

The economic losses caused by 'Candidatus Liberibacter' and 'Candidatus Phytoplasma' in citrus have raised concerns in citrus-producing regions worldwide. These bacteria have not been reported in citrus species in Chile. However, during the years 2017 and 2019, 14 plants were found to be positive for previously unidentified phytoplasmas in citrus.