Quantification and Distribution of the 16SrIV-D Phytoplasma in the Wild Date Palm, Phoenix sylvestris, at Different Stages of Decline Using Quantitative PCR (qPCR) Analysis

Lethal bronzing disease (LBD) is a fatal infection in a variety of ornamental palms in Florida caused by the 16SrIV-D phytoplasma. The disease was first found in 2006 in Florida and has since spread to 31 different counties, reaching as far north as Jacksonville and as far south as Key Largo. Stakeholders (nursery personnel, landscaping personnel, and extension agents) from across the state take and send samples for analysis. To provide better sampling recommendations and reduce the time associated with the sampling process, the distribution of the 16SrIV-D phytoplasma was examined by quantitative PCR analysis in various Phoenix sylvestris that displayed different stages of decline, including early symptoms, moderate symptoms, and late symptoms. A declining Sabal palmetto was also available for analysis and examined as well. The findings of this study revealed that regardless of the stage of decline, the highest amount of phytoplasma detected was nearest to the base of the trunk and gradually decreased further up the trunk. Also, in P. sylvestris it was found that with symptoms present, the entire trunk has a systemic infection, resulting in positive reactions for every sample taken. These data are useful to stakeholders because they provide useful sampling recommendations in that only a single sample is needed when sampling a palm suspected to be infected with phytoplasma. Also, based on these results, sampling lower on the trunk is advised.