Chapter 11 - Distribution, diversity, and status of phytoplasma in Japan

Abstract

More than 70 diseases caused by phytoplasmas have been reported in Japan. They are classified into nine “Candidatus Phytoplasma” species, i.e., “Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris,” “Candidatus Phytoplasma japonicum,” “Candidatus Phytoplasma aurantifolia,” “Candidatus Phytoplasma solani,” “Candidatus Phytoplasma pruni,” “Candidatus Phytoplasma castaneae,” “Candidatus Phytoplasma oryzae,” “Candidatus Phytoplasma ziziphi,” and “Candidatus Phytoplasma malaysianum.” In this chapter, we reviewed the symptom, history of discovery, and molecular and biological findings of each species of phytoplasma found in Japan.