Host Family Research Articles

The Critical Success Factors Towards Homestay Development in Penang

Since its introduction in 1988, the Homestay Programme in Malaysia has become an iconic rural tourism product. Tourists pay a reasonable price to stay with a host family and experience daily life alongside the local community. The pandemic outbreak in February 2020 severely impacted the tourism industry, causing many homestays to cease operations. In the post-pandemic period, the tourism industry, including homestays, is striving to regain momentum. Studies have been conducted to identify critical success factors influencing homestays' success. This study focuses on identifying these factors for homestays in Penang, Malaysia, considering perspectives from tourists, government agencies, institutions, industry players, and the community. A semi-structured interview and thematic analysis were used to process data collected from eleven informants with varying levels of involvement in homestays, ranging from those directly engaged in their development to those with little or no experience in visiting them. The interviews were conducted mainly in Bahasa Melayu, with the input translated into English. The data was then classified into several themes for further discussion.

Study abroad experiences in homestay: where complexity, dynamicity, and individuality stay

Abstract Informed by Complex Dynamic Systems Theory, this study examines the nature of homestay as a situated language learning site, with an eye toward the development of American student guests and Chinese host families’ homestay experiences within the larger context of the study abroad (SA) program and local community. Drawing on data collected from host families and student guests, this study discovers benefits, conflicts, and co-adaptations in homestay; the evolution of host families’ dispositions toward homestay; student guests’ proficiency gains and interactions with hosts and locals; and contextual factors that influence the proficiency gains and interactions. The findings reveal that homestay is a dynamic, self-evolving subsystem, which constantly interacts with other dynamic subsystems, such as the SA program and local community, within the complex social ecosystem of the entire SA environment. This study also provides suggestions for the design and management of the homestay component in the SA program and future research.

A new species of Choleoeimeria (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the invasive curious skink, Carlia ailanpalai (Sauria: Scincidae) from Guam, U.S. Territory.

The curious skink, Carlia ailanpalai Zug, occurs in the main group of the Admiralty Islands of Papua New Guinea but has also successfully invaded Guam, the Marianas, Yap, and Kosrae. A single coccidian, Eimeria zugi McAllister, Duszynski, Fisher, & Austin, 2013 was described from C. ailanpalai from Papua New Guinea. No additional coccidians are known from this host. Fourteen C. ailanpalai were collected from Cocos Island (Islan Dåno), Guam, U.S. Territory, and their feces examined for coccidians. A single skink (7%) was found to be passing oöcysts of a new species of Choleoeimeria. Oöcysts of Choleoeimeria cocosensis n. sp. are ellipsoidal to ovoidal with a bi-layered wall, measure (L × W) 21.1 × 12.9 µm, and have a length/width (L/W) ratio of 1.6; a micropyle and an oocyst residuum were absent but fragmented polar granule(s) was present. Sporocysts are ovoidal and measure 8.6 × 6.3 µm, L/W 1.4; Stieda, sub-Stieda, and para-Stieda bodies were absent. Sporocyst residuum was typically a loose aggregate of various-sized granules between and across the sporozoites but sometimes a dense irregular mass between and across the sporozoites. Sporozoites were elongate, with a centrally located nucleus and a large spheroidal to subspheroidal posterior refractile body, but without an anterior refractile body. The new species can be differentiated from all other choleoeimerians from skinks by possessing one of the smallest oöcysts known from the host family. We also provide an updated summation of the choleoeimerians from skinks of the world. This article was registered in the Official Register of Zoological Nomenclature (ZooBank) as urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:6EFDF027-0A92-43C4-9AD0-E555252E7741.

Successful Refugee Cohabitation With Host Families: A Concept Analysis and Model Development.

Purpose: This concept analysis aims to address the gap in knowledge regarding the concept of successful refugee cohabitation with host families. It seeks to develop a conceptual model that integrates holistic nursing and healthcare practices into refugee cohabitation settings to enhance refugee well-being. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using Walker and Avant's methodology for concept analysis. Findings: Successful refugee cohabitation with host families concept characterized by peaceful coexistence, power dynamics, hospitality, and cultural tolerance. Antecedents include refugee shelter needs, societal acceptance, humanitarian solidarity, and legal support. Consequences include refugee inclusion and integration, societal cohesion, psychological well-being, and refugee-host acceptance. Conclusions: Successful refugee cohabitation is defined as a private hosting arrangement that embodies shared living spaces and peaceful coexistence amid conflict or crises, fostering resilience and support for displaced individuals by local citizens. It combines hospitality, balanced power, and cultural tolerance, driven by refugee needs for shelter and a commitment to successful refugee settlement and integration. This hosting arrangement promotes societal development and cohesion, economic growth, psychological well-being, and foster inclusion and intergroup tolerance. The integration of holistic nursing principles into refugee cohabitation practices can foster more inclusive and healthy communities.

Molecular phylogeny of the Lecudinoidea (Apicomplexa): A major group of marine gregarines with diverse shapes, movements and hosts.

Gregarine apicomplexans are ubiquitous endosymbionts of invertebrate hosts. Despite their ecological and evolutionary importance, inferences about the phylogenetic relationships of major gregarine groups, such as the Lecudinidae and Urosporidae, have been hindered by vague taxonomic definitions and limited molecular and morphological data. In this study, we investigated five gregarine species collected from four families of polychaete hosts (Nereididae, Oenonidae, Hesionidae, and Phyllodocidae) using light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). We also generated small subunit ribosomal DNA sequences from these species and conducted molecular phylogenetic analyses to elucidate the evolutionary relationships within the Lecudinoidea. Our results include new molecular and morphological data for two previously described species (Lecudina cf. platynereidis and Lecudina cf. arabellae), the discovery of a new species of Lecudina (L. oxydromus n. sp.), and the discovery of two novel species, namely Amplectina cordis n. gen. et. n. sp. and Sphinctocystis inclina n. sp. These two species exhibited unique shapes and movements, resembling those of urosporids but with a phylogenetic affinity to lecudinids, blurring the border between lecudinids and urosporids. Our study emphasizes the need for further investigations into this highly diverse group, which has achieved great success across multiple animal phyla with diverse shapes and movements.

Ticks infesting terrestrial small mammals in a rural settlement in the Amazonas state, Brazil.

There is limited knowledge about tick diversity in the Amazon region. Here, we survey small terrestrial mammals for tick infestation at the Rio Pardo settlement, Amazonas State, Brazil. Sampling included rainy and dry seasons and four ecotones (primary forest, forest in regeneration, field crops and households). Each animal was inspected for ticks, which, if present, were placed in 70% alcohol and identified. Parasitological indexes were calculated and the presence/absence of ticks on hosts was tested for possible associations with independent variables (ecotone, host sex, host order, host family, host age and season). A total of 208 small mammals were captured, 47 individuals (10 species) in the primary forest, 124 (15 species) in the forest in regeneration, 11 (7 species) in the field crops, and 26 (4 species) in the households. A total of 14 small mammals were infested by ticks (overall prevalence: 6.7%; 95% CI: 3.72 - 11.04%), which consisted of 51 specimens that were identified into four species, as follows: Amblyomma humerale (32 nymphs); Ixodes luciae (6 females); Amblyomma coelebs (1 nymph); and Ornithodoros mimon (1 larva). In addition, 11 larvae were retained as Amblyomma spp. Only host order showed association (P = 0.002) with tick infestation, with marsupials 5.5 times more infested than rodents. Our record of O. mimon on D. marsupialis is the first on this host species, and the first record of a Argasidae tick in the Brazilian state of Amazonas. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that actively screened free-living terrestrial small mammals and provided data on prevalence, mean intensity and mean abundance of tick infestations in the Brazilian Amazonas state.

Isospora pichororei n. sp. (Chromista: Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from rufous-capped spinetails Synallaxis ruficapilla Vieillot, 1819 (Passeriformes: Furnariidae: Synallaxiinae) in South America

Spinetails are a suboscine passerines of the genus Synallaxis Vieillot, 1818 which have great interest for ornithology, given the wide diversity of 37 species that are distributed throughout the Neotropical region. Despite this wide diversity and distribution, Synallaxis spp. have never been recorded as hosts of coccidian parasites. In this context, the current study describes a new species of Isospora Schneider, 1881 from rufous-capped spinetails Synallaxis ruficapilla Vieillot, 1819 captured in the Itatiaia National Park, which is a federal conservation unit in Southeastern Brazil. The oocysts of Isospora pichororei Genovez-Oliveira & Berto n. sp. are subspheroidal to ovoidal, measuring on average 25 by 21 μm. Micropyle is present, but discrete. Oocyst residuum absent, but one or two polar granules are present. Sporocysts are ellipsoidal with slightly pointed posterior end, measuring on average 17 by 10 μm. Stieda and sub-Stieda bodies are present. Sporocyst residuum is clustered among the vermiform sporozoites, which have striations, refractile bodies and nucleus. This morphology was different from the other Isospora spp. recorded in the host family Furnariidae. Molecular identification was targeted by the amplification and sequencing of a locus of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene. This sequence had the highest similarity of 99.5% with a sequence deposited for Isospora oliveirai Ortúzar-Ferreira & Berto, 2020, which is a coccidian species that parasitizes suboscine tityrids Schiffornis virescens (Lafresnaye, 1838), also in the Itatiaia National Park. Phylogenetic analysis grouped some species in subclades, including I. pichororei with I. oliveirai; however, it was inconclusive in an expectation of parasite-host coevolution. Finally, I. pichororei is established as new to science, being the first description from Synallaxinae and the third description from Furnariidae. Furthermore, this is the first Isospora sp. from the host family Furnariidae to have a molecular supplementation by sequencing a locus of the cox1 gene of the mitochondrial genome.

Phylogenetic analysis of Ellipsomyxa species (Myxosporea) and description of Ellipsomyxa gordeyi n. sp. from the gall bladder of mullets (Mugiliformes: Mugilidae) in Nha Trang Bay of the East Sea, Vietnam

The coastal waters of Vietnam are home to a wide diversity of fishes, but the parasite diversity of these potential hosts is much less well characterized. To begin addressing this knowledge gap, we carried out surveys of myxozoan parasites in fishes collected from Nha Trang Bay in Vietnam's East Sea in 2018–2019. Mugilid fishes were collected in March–April 2018, January–February 2019, and November–December 2019, and examined for myxozoans. Myxospores consistent with those of the genus Ellipsomyxa were found in the gall bladder of four mullet species, and we thoroughly characterized those from Planiliza melinoptera. Myxospores were elliptoid and devoid of striation, with a distinct sinuous suture line. Polar capsules were pyriform and oriented toward the poles of the spore. Morphological features were compared to nominal species and this species from Vietnam was distinct. Phylogenetic analysis based on partial small subunit rDNA sequence revealed that broadly, Ellipsomyxa species split into three phylogenetic lineages, and although in some branches there are groupings by host family, habitat or locality, there are no clear phylogenetic patterns. The new species we encountered in P. melinoptera had a close sister relationship with Ellipsomyxa adlardi, with both species part of a larger subclade within the Ellipsomyxa lineage. Despite this phylogenetic similarity, these species were morphologically distinct, and partial large subunit DNA sequences were only 93% similar to each other. A combination of the morphological characteristics and molecular data suggest that this is an undescribed species and we propose the name Ellipsomyxa gordeyi n. sp.

Inside and Outside the Homestay Experience: The Social and Gender Factors

Homestay is a prevalent type of residential arrangement, particularly in the realms of education and foreign exchange. This arrangement involves individuals or students opting to stay in someone else's residence, rather than their own, and typically engaging in communal living and daily activities with the host family. The paper examines the frequently neglected elements that contribute to a satisfactory homestay experience, utilising both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Specifically, it explores the impact of external social factors, such as educational institutions, communities, and organisations, as well as the influence of gender on the homestay experience. This research contends that extrinsic social elements have a substantial impact on students' perceptions of a satisfactory homestay experience. Furthermore, female and male students possess distinct standards when it comes to selecting a highly competent homestay family. The paper asserts that the consideration of social and gender variables should be given more attention when examining the perspectives of students regarding their homestay experience.

On declining parental agency and institutionalized forms of parentification: narratives of changing parenthood among refugee families and social workers in collective reception centres

Over recent years, the number of refugee families with children fleeing to Europe has increased. Although reception centres in Europe are not equipped to host families with children, families nevertheless remain for extensive periods in these collective centres, where they lack autonomy, privacy, certainty and often even a sense of security. Drawing on 123 interviews with parents (58), children (38) and social workers (38) in nine collective reception centres in Belgium, we analyse how the Belgian asylum regime impacts refugee parents’ capacity to fulfil parental roles and responsibilities and social workers’ relationships with refugee parents. Our analysis points to a complex combination of declining parental agency yet increasing responsibility on behalf of refugee parents across different parental roles and responsibilities. This in turn leads children to take on what are typically considered ‘adult roles’, raising concerns about parentification among social workers. By introducing the term ‘institutionalized forms of parentification’, we call for a re-politicization of social work with refugee families. Moving away from common approaches to family relationships that focus primarily on the individual or the family system, our findings draw attention to the impact of social spaces, policies and cultural value systems.

Distinct evolutionary lineages of Schistocephalus parasites infecting co-occurring sculpin and stickleback fishes in Alaska.

Sculpins (coastrange and slimy) and sticklebacks (ninespine and threespine) are widely distributed fishes cohabiting 2 south-central Alaskan lakes (Aleknagik and Iliamna), and all these species are parasitized by cryptic diphyllobothriidean cestodes in the genus Schistocephalus. The goal of this investigation was to test for host-specific parasitic relationships between sculpins and sticklebacks based upon morphological traits (segment counts) and sequence variation across the NADH1 gene. A total of 446 plerocercoids was examined. Large, significant differences in mean segment counts were found between cestodes in sculpin (mean = 112; standard deviation [s.d.] = 15) and stickleback (mean = 86; s.d. = 9) hosts within and between lakes. Nucleotide sequence divergence between parasites from sculpin and stickleback hosts was 20.5%, and Bayesian phylogenetic analysis recovered 2 well-supported clades of cestodes reflecting intermediate host family (i.e. sculpin, Cottidae vs stickleback, Gasterosteidae). Our findings point to the presence of a distinct lineage of cryptic Schistocephalus in sculpins from Aleknagik and Iliamna lakes that warrants further investigation to determine appropriate evolutionary and taxonomic recognition.

Exploring Guests’ Satisfaction and Dissatisfaction with Homestay Experiences: A Netnographic Study of a Rural Tourism Destination in Vietnam

ABSTRACT Few studies have used online reviews to gain useful insights into homestay guests’ satisfaction. This study responds to demands from the existing literature on homestay tourism in a rural destination context to identify the factors that contribute to tourists’ satisfaction and dissatisfaction by examining homestay experiences in Vietnam’s Ben Tre province. User-generated content on Booking.com was analyzed using a netnographic approach. The data comprised 656 online posts. The findings suggest that guests achieve satisfaction from host families’ attitudes and language abilities, high-quality facilities in the bedrooms and grounds, authentic cuisine, a peaceful location, the availability of complementary services, and affordable prices. The findings contradict studies suggesting that homestay guests may seek familiarity, and this was largely not evident in terms of tourist food consumption while at the destination. In addition, the findings challenge studies indicating that prices have a strong influence on tourists’ satisfaction with homestay tourism.

The parasitic louse genus Myrsidea (Amblycera: Menoponidae): a comprehensive review and world checklist

Abstract Myrsidea Waterston, 1915 (Phthiraptera: Menoponidae) is the most diverse genus of avian chewing lice. Myrsidea has a global distribution, is thought to be highly host-specific, and parasitizes mostly passerine birds. However, the rate of taxonomic studies describing new species is relatively low, and it is thought that much of the diversity of Myrsidea is yet to be discovered. This low rate of taxonomic description for this genus, and many others, may be related to the time-consuming nature of morphological species description and a lack of expertise in louse taxonomy. Furthermore, most of the taxonomic revisions and reviews have focused on specific host families, and no comprehensive review of the morphology and molecular work of Myrsidea has been completed in the last 20 years. Here, we review the taxonomy and systematics of Myrsidea to (i) describe this chewing louse genus and its biological importance; (ii) describe current problems with its taxonomy; (iii) simplify and summarize morphological descriptions; (iv) summarize molecular data; and (v) provide a comprehensive checklist of the Myrsidea species, with all publications and localities of occurrence included. Together, we hope that this information will provide researchers with a single source of information on the genus Myrsidea, making it easier for work to proceed on its taxonomy, systematics, ecology, and evolution. Importantly, our work highlights important gaps in our knowledge of Myrsidea, providing guideposts on where future work on Myrsidea is needed.

The au pair as a mediating springboard: the shifting aspirations of Chinese youth in migration

Since the 1980s, China has undergone a dramatic transformation through reforms and economic liberalization. Among these, the theme of migration has also developed. To complement this context, relying on an empirical study of young Chinese au pairs in Germany implemented in 2019, this paper aims to build a migration picture of au pairs’ youth transitions in a transnational context. The Au Pair programme is a 1-year cultural exchange project experienced by youth between the ages of 18 and 27 who exchange simple household chores for accommodation in a host family in a foreign country with the purpose of learning language. This study reveals that prior to joining the program, participants held a positive perception of Germany and the program. However, their experience in Germany led to a complex evaluation of this journey. Participants had to re-evaluate their visions of the future and adjust their initial idealized notions of the international experience. The ever-changing aspirations that arise in a dynamic social environment drive the shift and reshaping of the migration process and promoting unexpected personal development. The Au Pair experience acts as a springboard, giving these young people a buffer to (re)orientates for the future.

Dynamical Structures under Nonrestricted Hierarchical Planetary Systems with Different Mass Ratios

Secular dynamics have been extensively studied in both the inner and outer restricted hierarchical three-body systems. In the inner restricted problem, the quadrupole-order resonance (i.e., the well-known Kozai resonance) causes large coupled oscillations of eccentricity and inclination when the maximum inclination is higher than 39.2°, and the octupole-order resonance leads to the behavior of orbital flips. In the outer restricted problem, the behavior of orbital flips is due to the quadrupole-order resonance. Secular dynamics under the inner and outer restricted systems are distinctly different. The mass ratio of inner and outer bodies could change the ratio of circular orbital angular momenta β, which significantly influences dynamical structures of the system. But this influence is still unclear. In this paper, we focus on nonrestricted hierarchical planetary systems where β > 1 and investigate the secular dynamics by changing mass ratios. Dynamical structures are systematically explored from four aspects: periodic orbits, secular resonances, orbital flips, and chaos detection. We find that (a) it tends to lead to more bifurcations in the host family of prograde periodic orbits associated with Kozai resonance with smaller β; (b) with the decrease of β, fewer orbits inside the octupole-order resonance can realize flip; (c) for given initial conditions, the forbidden region appears in the retrograde region and becomes larger as β decreases, meaning that the mutual inclination cannot reach a very high value if β is small; and (d) chaotic orbits are distributed in the low-eccentricity, high-inclination region when β > 1.

Examining the Portrayal of U.S. Host Families and Exchange Students in Study Abroad Websites

This study uses a content analysis to document the representation of the homestay experience focusing on the portrayal of U.S. host families and exchange students in 16 study abroad programs’ websites. Despite the increase of international students coming to the United States for secondary education and the pressing need to recruit host families, not much is known about how study abroad websites represent the U.S. homestay experience. Results suggest that study abroad websites provide a traditional representation of U.S. host families, characterized by two White host parents (with or without children) hosting predominantly White and Asian exchange students. Inter-reality comparisons also reveal an over-representation of White host families and Black exchange students in study abroad websites, though the representation of White and Asian exchange students appeared consistent with the shares of White and Asian exchange students expected in reality. Implications for study abroad programs are discussed.

A mile in their shoes: understanding health-care journeys of refugees and asylum seekers in the UK

PurposeRefugees and asylum seekers worldwide face numerous barriers in accessing health systems. The evidence base regarding who and what helps refugees and asylum seekers facilitate access to and the navigation of the health system in the UK is small. This study aims to address this gap by analysing 14 semi-structured, in-depth interviews with refugees and asylum seekers of different countries of origin in the UK to identify where, when and how they came into contact with the health-care system and what the outcome of these interactions was.Design/methodology/approachSemi-structured, in-depth interviews were chosen as the key method for this study. In total, 14 individual interviews were conducted. A trauma-informed research approach was applied to reduce the risk of re-traumatising participants.FindingsThe paper identifies key obstacles as well as “facilitators” of refugees’ and asylum seekers’ health-care experience in the UK and suggests that host families, friends and third-party organisations all play an important role in ensuring refugees and asylum seekers receive the healthcare they need.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first qualitative study in the UK that looks at comprehensive health journeys of refugees from their first encounter with health services through to secondary care, highlighting the important role along the way of facilitators such as host families, friends and third-party organisations.

Homestay drives community's socio-economic development and sustainability; a case study of Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan

Northern Pakistan is one of the most visiting places by both domestic and foreign visitors. This visitation phenomenon encourages residents to commercialize their residences portion a partial sharing into homestays. The northern area tourists have the privilege to experience homestay operations due to a shortage of lodging demand-supply gaps. A homestay is an idea of accommodation operation in which a visitor pays a charge to stay with a host family and engage with the native population. GB in general and Skardu in particular, benefited from the homestay due to national and international tourist flow. Homestay in Pakistan is not standardized or even not regularized. However, there are still many newcomers in the homestay business while owners do not understand business requirements, and the majority of them are not get training. Social media and online booking is popular channels for selling products. This study includes an assessment of community perceptions of how much the Homestay program influences the community in Skardu city, and even a discussion about the issues that Homestay operators and the community face. A cross-sectional research design with both quantitative and qualitative statistics (QUAN-QUAL Techniques) was used to examine the data. The data on a semi-structured questionnaire was collected from 30 homestay operators in the city. This research highlighted numerous characteristics of homestay growth, issues, and prospects.

Adoption of nomadic childcare practices by urban Kazakh families: A sociological analysis

Relevance. Kazakhstan�s modern social policy landscape has created challenges for urban families in managing childcare and household duties. This study examines the revival of nomadic cultural practices, specifically the employment of �female assistants�, as a response to these challenges. Purpose. The purpose of the study is to investigate the experiences of urban Kazakh middle-class couples who adopt or revive the practice of employing �female assistants� for childcare and household management, exploring the underlying reasons for this trend. Methodology. The research utilizes data from 11 individual semi-structured interviews with female assistants, conducted between 2014 and 2017. A qualitative analysis approach was employed to examine the complexities of this social phenomenon. Results. The study reveals a complex interplay of familial obligations, gender roles, and economic necessities in the employment of �female assistants�. These arrangements often result in the exploitation of the assistants, who lose autonomy over their time and labour. The host families, while benefiting from the support, experience conflicting emotions about the fairness of the situation, often attempting to compensate through material means. Additionally, the study uncovers a significant invisibility of �female assistants� in symbolic representations and family hierarchies, contributing to the undervaluation of their work and social status. Conclusions. The research illuminates how urban Kazakh families navigate the challenges of contemporary social policies by reviving and adapting nomadic cultural practices. It underscores the complex power dynamics, emotional labour, and symbolic representations associated with the role of �female assistants� in modern Kazakh households, pointing to the need for further diversification of social policies regarding motherhood and childcare. Keywords: social policy; neo-traditionalism; Kazakh families; �female assistants�

A metagenomic investigation of phytoplasma diversity in Australian vegetable growing regions.

In this study, metagenomic sequence data was used to investigate the phytoplasma taxonomic diversity in vegetable-growing regions across Australia. Metagenomic sequencing was performed on 195 phytoplasma-positive samples, originating either from historic collections (n=46) or during collection efforts between January 2015 and June 2022 (n=149). The sampled hosts were classified as crop (n=155), weed (n=24), ornamental (n=7), native plant (n=6), and insect (n=3) species. Most samples came from Queensland (n=78), followed by Western Australia (n=46), the Northern Territory (n=32), New South Wales (n=17), and Victoria (n=10). Of the 195 draft phytoplasma genomes, 178 met our genome criteria for comparison using an average nucleotide identity approach. Ten distinct phytoplasma species were identified and could be classified within the 16SrII, 16SrXII (PCR only), 16SrXXV, and 16SrXXXVIII phytoplasma groups, which have all previously been recorded in Australia. The most commonly detected phytoplasma taxa in this study were species and subspecies classified within the 16SrII group (n=153), followed by strains within the 16SrXXXVIII group ('Ca. Phytoplasma stylosanthis'; n=6). Several geographic- and host-range expansions were reported, as well as mixed phytoplasma infections of 16SrII taxa and 'Ca. Phytoplasma stylosanthis'. Additionally, six previously unrecorded 16SrII taxa were identified, including five putative subspecies of 'Ca. Phytoplasma australasiaticum' and a new putative 16SrII species. PCR and sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene was a suitable triage tool for preliminary phytoplasma detection. Metagenomic sequencing, however, allowed for higher-resolution identification of the phytoplasmas, including mixed infections, than was afforded by only direct Sanger sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. Since the metagenomic approach theoretically obtains sequences of all organisms in a sample, this approach was useful to confirm the host family, genus, and/or species. In addition to improving our understanding of the phytoplasma species that affect crop production in Australia, the study also significantly expands the genomic sequence data available in public sequence repositories to contribute to phytoplasma molecular epidemiology studies, revision of taxonomy, and improved diagnostics.