First Report of a 16SrI (Aster Yellows) Group Phytoplasma in Phlox in the United States

Abstract

Phlox are herbaceous perennial ornamentals native to North America grown for their flower color, range in flowering time, scent, and differing forms. Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris, first found to occur in Chinese asters, is spread by aster leafhoppers and in 2001 was reported to be a serious threat to phlox. There have been several reports of Ca. P. asteris in garlic and small grains in Minnesota. This is the first report of Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris in phlox in Minnesota and the United States. Accepted for publication 28 June 2016. Published 6 September 2016.