Molecular identification of a phytoplasma associated
with Russian olive witches’ broom in Iran
Abstract Russian olive trees (Elaeagnus angustifolia)
showing witches’ broom symptoms typical of phytoplasma
infection were observed in the Urmia region of
Iran. A phytoplasma named Russian olive witches’
broom phytoplasma (ROWBp-U) was detected from
all symptomatic samples by amplification of the 16S
rRNA gene and 16S/23S rDNA spacer region using
the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) which gave a
product of expected length. DNA from symptomless
plants used as a negative control yielded no product.
The sequence of the 16S rRNA gene and 16S/23S
rDNA spacer region of ROWBp-U showed 99%
similarity with the homologous genes of members of
the aster yellows group. We also detected a phytoplasma
in neighboring alfalfa plants (AlWBp-U)
showing severe witches’ broom symptoms. An
1107 bp PCR product from the 16S rRNA gene
showed 99% homology with the corresponding product
in ROWBp-U, suggesting the presence of the same