Comprehensive genomic and functional characterization of a phytoplasma associated with root retardation, early bolting, witches'-broom, and phyllody in daikon (<i>Raphanus sativus</i> L.).

ABSTRACT: Daikon (Raphanus sativus L. var. longipinnatus) is an economically important root crop and medicinal plant. In 2021, a previously unreported disease outbreak characterized by early bolting, witches'-broom, phyllody, virescence, and severe root growth retardation was observed in daikon fields in Yunlin, Taiwan. Transmission electron microscopy revealed pleomorphic phytoplasma-like bodies within the sieve elements of symptomatic plants. Molecular diagnostics and phylogenetic analyses identified the causal agent as a 16SrII-A subgroup strain of 'Candidatus Phytoplasma aurantifolia', designated NCHU2022. Hybrid genome assembly using Illumina and Oxford Nanopore sequencing yielded a complete genome consisting of a 632 kb circular chromosome and a 4.2 kb plasmid. Effector pr

SUBMITTER: Chiu YC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12454383 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature