Objective: Willow Yellow is a plant disease caused by phytoplasma. We identified the taxonomic status of Willow Yellow phytoplasma (WY).
Methods: We used specific conservative primers amplified 16S rDNA and ribosomal proteins gene (rp) gene. Obtained sequences were then analyzed and homology trees were constructed. The nested-PCR products were also analyzed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP).
Results: We obtained 16S rDNA of 1246 bp and rp gene of 1212 bp, and sequence analysis showed a high identity with members of the 16SrI-C group phytoplasmas, all above 99.0%, and had the highest identity with Wheat Blue Dwarf phytoplasmas, 99.8% (16S rDNA) and 99.6% (rp) respectively, RFLP pattern are also the same as 16S rI-C phytoplsama.
Conclusion: Willow yellow phytoplasma is a member of 16S rI-C.