Published in Scientific Papers. Series B, Horticulture, Vol. LXVIV, Issue 2
Written by Zhelyu AVRAMOV, Iliyana ATANASOVA, Dora PANAYOTOVA
This article covers research conducted between 2018 and 2024 aimed at detecting phytoplasma infections in various fruit crops in Bulgaria. Phytoplasma diseases, such as 'Candidatus Phytoplasma mali’, 'Candidatus Phytoplasma pyri’, and 'Candidatus Phytoplasma prunorum’, represent a serious threat to agriculture, leading to significant losses in yields and fruit quality. The studies described in the article include the diagnosis of phytoplasma infections in different fruit crops. Molecular methods, including PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) and RT-RFLP analysis, were performed to identify pathogens, enabling precise and rapid detection of phytoplasmas in affected plants. More than 3,294 samples were analyzed, of which 4 tested positive for 'Candidatus Phytoplasma prunorum’ and 6 for 'Candidatus Phytoplasma pyri’, while 'Candidatus Phytoplasma mali’ was not detected. The article emphasizes the importance of early detection and management of phytoplasma infections in fruit growing to minimize economic losses and ensure sustainable fruit production in the future.
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