Geographical distribution of 'flavescence dorée' phytoplasmas in Croatian grapevines

Abstract

Abstract Seven Croatian grapevine samples found positive for the presence of 'flavescence dorée'(FD) phytoplasmas in 2010 survey confirm the first findings of FD phytoplasma from previous year, as well as the existence of new grapevine yellows heavily affected narrow area west and southwest of Zagreb along the border with Slovenia. Two new locations 100 km east and 60 km north-east of Zagreb, respectively, were found to be affected, widening the potential FD-risk zone and placing the capital in its centre. Grapevine varieties infected with FD-related phytoplasmas encompassed widely known Pinot Noir and Riesling, but also indigenous red Plemenka Crvena and Ružica Crvena, as well as white variety Škrlet. Preliminary molecular characterization results suggest the variability of 16SrV-C identified phytoplasmas, especially from the locations west and southwest of Zagreb