Shoot Proliferation and Leaf Malformation of Celosia argentea and Celosia spicata Caused by a Phytoplasma of the 16SrIII-J Group

Ornamental plants of Celosia argentea L. and Celosia spicata L. displaying typical phytoplasma-induced symptoms were observed in Piracicaba, State of S Alpha o Paulo, south-eastern Brazil. Our aim was to identify the possible phytoplasma involved. PCR revealed the association of phytoplasma with diseased plants of both species. Based on actual and virtual RFLP analysis and phylogenetic analysis, the phytoplasma was characterized as a member of the 16SrIII-J subgroup. Transmission of the pathogen by dodder supported the evidence that the symptoms observed in naturally diseased plants were induced by a phytoplasma. Our results show that C.similar to spicata is a new host for phytoplasma and that this is the first report of a 16SrXIII-J phytoplasma infecting plants of C.similar to argentea and C.similar to spicata in Brazil.