Characterisation of phytoplasma associated with sugarcane white leaf disease in Uttar Pradesh, India

During the survey of six districts of Uttar Pradesh in 2013-2017, white leaf, grassy appearance, green grassy with no cane formation, leaf yellows, stunted growth were observed on sugarcane grown on farmer's field. Two symptomatic from each surveyed location along with one non symptomatic canes were analysed through nested 16S rRNA primers (P1/P7 and R16RF2n/R16R2). All the symptomatic leaves were found positive and BLASTn search revealed highest 99% sequence identity with 16SrXI-B subgroups phytoplasma. The phylogenetic analysis further confirmed the BLSATn results and isolates revealed relationship with isolates of 16SrXI-B subgroup. The wide occurrence of phytoplasma disease on sugarcane is because of using infected propagation materials, therefore it is suggested to use hot water treated seed material and maintain the healthy seed nursery to avoid the further spread.