Detection of phytoplasmas using DNA-microarrays

The aim of this thesis was to optimize the method of detection of phytoplasmas using DNA-microarray. It consisted of testing an appropriate method of genetic material isolation, development and optimization of PCR to amplify different groups of phytoplasmas, optimization of detection of DNA at a microarray, and sequence analysis of phytoplasma in order to design more suitable probes. PCR was first optimized for collection isolates, then also for natural samples. All 16Sr groups from the collection were sequenced and phytoplasmas were detected in them by hybridization. Phytoplasmas were detected also in natural samples: oilseed rape (species Brassica napus), red clover (Trifolium pretense), purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), and apple tree (Malus domestica). Using the DNA from insect vectors, only sample 202/6 from the group 16Sr-XII was positive. The sequence of red clover and oilseed rape correspond with the database samples in the group 16Sr-I "Aster yellows"