First Report of 'Candidatus Phytoplasma brasiliense' in North America and in a New Host, Globe Sedge (Cyperus globulosus)

Palm nurseries in Florida, U.S.A., are currently suffering significant economic losses due to lethal bronzing (LB), a fatal phyto-plasma infection caused by the proposed ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma aculeata’ (formally 16SrIV-D) that was introduced around 2006 (Harrison et al. 2008). The spread of LB in the field in Florida is attributed to the planthopper Haplaxius crudus (Mou et al. 2020). This insect is widespread and abundant in Florida and the south-eastern United States and, due to its complex life history and behavior, difficult to manage. The adults feed on foliage in the canopy palm hosts, but the nymphs are documented from over 40 species of grasses (Poaceae) and sedges (Cyperaceae) (Ramos Hernández et al. 2018). Because of the close association of nymphs with grasses and sedges, speculation has arisen about the ability of these plants to serve as a reservoir for the LB phytoplasma © 2022 The American Phytopathological Society