Phytoplasma. Methods and Protocols. 2012. (Methods in Molecular Biology, 938). illus. col. illus. 350 p. gr8vo. Hardcover.

Phytoplasmas are a group of bacteria that are capable of multiplying and causing severe diseases in a wide range of plant species and are transported between plants by insect vectors in which the bacteria can also multiply. Phytoplasmas can cause serious and devastating problems for crop plants, especially in developing countries. This publication covers topics pertinent to scientists intending to develop a research program on phytoplasmas. The volume opens with an introductory chapter on the importance of phytoplasma diseases, followed by methods for detection and diagnosis as well as techniques for separating and classifying the phytoplasmas into their different taxonomic groups and subgroups. The final chapters cover methods for separating phytoplasma genomic and plasmid DNA from plant DNA for whole genome sequencing. The chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible protocols, and notes on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.