Detection of phytoplasmas in watercress and onion plants from Mauritius. Plant Health Progress http://www.plantmanagementnetwork.org/php/elements/sum.aspx?id=9281&photo=5060 September 30.

Different phytoplasmas were detected and identified in watercress and onion plants from Mauritius. Symptoms observed on watercress were purple coloration of leaves, plant stunting, and reduced leaf size. In onion, witches’ broom and virescence were observed in the inflorescence. Disease incidence in watercress ponds ranged from 30 to 70%, while in onion seed production plots, it was around 10%. PCR/RFLP analyses as well as sequencing of 16S ribosomal gene enabled the identification of phytoplasmas belonging to two ribosomal groups, namely stolbur and aster yellows, from the two aforementioned crops