Spiroplasma citri

Spiroplasma citri is a species of bacteria in the genus Spiroplasma that is pathogenic to plants. It is the causative agent of Citrus stubborn disease (CSD), a serious disease affecting citrus crops worldwide.

Taxonomy

Spiroplasma citri belongs to the class Mollicutes, a group of bacteria that lack a cell wall and have a characteristic spiral shape. The genus Spiroplasma includes over 30 species, many of which are plant pathogens.

Morphology

The cells of Spiroplasma citri are helical and flexible, with a diameter of 0.2-0.3 micrometers and a length of 2-10 micrometers. They lack a cell wall, which gives them their characteristic flexibility and spiral shape.

Pathogenicity

Spiroplasma citri is a plant pathogen that causes Citrus stubborn disease (CSD), a disease that affects citrus crops worldwide. The bacteria are transmitted by leafhopper insects, particularly the beet leafhopper (Circulifer tenellus).

Symptoms of Citrus Stubborn Disease

Infected plants show a variety of symptoms, including small, misshapen fruits with a hardened texture, uneven ripening, and a reduction in overall yield. The disease can also cause the tree to produce off-season blooms, further reducing the yield.

Management

Management of Citrus stubborn disease involves controlling the leafhopper vectors and removing infected trees. Chemical control of the leafhoppers can be effective, but it is often more practical to use cultural control methods, such as removing weeds that serve as hosts for the leafhoppers.

Research

Research on Spiroplasma citri has contributed to our understanding of the biology of Mollicutes and the mechanisms of plant disease. The genome of Spiroplasma citri has been sequenced, providing valuable insights into its pathogenicity and its interactions with its insect vectors and plant hosts.

See also

• Citrus stubborn disease
• Mollicutes
• Spiroplasma

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