Studies of Spiroplasma citri on Chili Pepper Plant in Egypt
Samah A. Mokbel
Department of Virus and Phytoplasma Research, Plant Pathology Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center., Egypt. Dr.SamahMokbel@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
Spiroplasma citri was detected in naturally infected chili pepper plant in Kafer Ghatatty, Giza
governorate. Stunting, leaf deformation and shoot proliferation were naturally observed in this field. Hand cross section of chili pepper infected stem treated with Dienes’ stain by light microscopy showed phloem with blue stain while the healthy one remained unstained. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique gave positive reaction of S. citri in natural infected samples using speciefic antiserum. Injection of healthy seedlings of chili pepper plant with liquid culture media of S.citri showed the similar symptoms appeared by natural infection. The injected seedlings and seeds resulted from it were tested by ELISA gave positive reactions of S.citri for both of them. These infected seeds are able to transmit S.citri easily among the plant. To our knowledge, this is the first record of S.citri infecting chili pepper plant in Egypt.
Key words: Spiroplasma citri, chili pepper, light microscopy, Dienes' stain, ELISA
How to cite this article:
Saied, S.M., EL-Abagy, E.M. and Mokbel, A.S. (2014). Studies of Spiroplasma
citri on Chili Pepper Plant in Egypt. Middle East J.of Agriculture
Research, 3(4): 968-972. http://www.curresweb.com/mejar/2014/968-972.pdf.
