Occurrence and distribution of single or mixed infection of phytoplasma and spiroplasma causing corn stunting in Brazil

Abstract

Maize bushy stunt and corn stunt have emerged among the most important diseases of maize in Brazil. To evaluate the single or dual presence of the phytoplasma and spiroplasma associated with corn stunting diseases, maize samples were collected across several locations in four Brazilian states. Multiplex PCR was performed for simultaneous detection of the bacteria. Eighty-nine out of 100 samples were positive with percentage values of 40%, 35%, and 25% for phytoplasma, spiroplasma, and mixed infections, respectively. Temperature may be an important driver of the prevalence of these mollicutes as phytoplasma prevailed in areas with mild temperatures and spiroplasma prevailed in warmer areas. These results extend knowledge of factors associated with corn stunting diseases, such as the potential role of temperature shaping the composition of the regional plant pathogenic populations.