Detection of phytoplasma DNA in embryos from coconut palms in Ghana, and kernels from maize in Peru

Nested PCR has been used to detect phytoplasma DNA in the inflorecscences and embryos of West African Tall coconut palms infected with Cape St Paul Wilt disease in Ghana and also to detect ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris’ DNA in kernels from infected maize plants in Peru. In germination studies, fruits from infected coconut palms had higher germination rates than those from healthy palms indicating that infected fruits retain the ability to germinate. However, no phytoplasmas were detected in seedlings derived through embryo in-vitro culture so there is currently no evidence that these pathogens are transmitted to cause disease in progeny palms.