The association of 16SrVI and 16SrI phytoplasma groups with carrot seeds and weeds in Ankara and Konya provinces in Turkey

The inoculum sources of phytoplasmas associated with carrot severe yellowing and reddening symptoms were investigated in Ankara and Konya provinces, Turkey. The presence of 16SrVI and 16SrI-related phytoplasmas in the seeds of seven carrot cultivars that are widely cultivated in the regions, as well as in weeds in the fields, was determined in this study. Sequence analysis was confirmed existing phytoplasma groups in samples were determined by using conventional molecular methods (nested-PCR) and the obtained results were supported by phylogenetic studies. In addition, the obtained nucleotide sequences were compared with the reference phytoplasma sequences by in silico PCR-RFLP analysis. Daucus carota wild, Medicago sativa, Conium maculatum, and Sinapis arvensis weeds were infected with the 16SrVI (Clover proliferation) phytoplasma group. In addition, 16SrVI and 16SrI (Aster yellows) phytoplasma groups were identified in seedlings germinated from seeds of seven carrot cultivars: one was a local red carrot cultivar and six were commercially produced cultivars. To our knowledge, this was the first report of carrot seeds infected with the 16SrVI group and the presence of the 16SrVI group in S. arvensis, C. maculatum, and D. carota wild.