A DECADE OF PHYTOPLASMA RESEARCH: STOLBUR IDENTIFICATION IN MOLDOVAN TOMATO VARIETIES

Aighiuni BAHSIEV*, Irina ZAMORZAEVA

Moldova State University, Institute of Genetics, Physiology and Plant Protection, Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Padurii Street, 20, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova
*Corresponding author: Bahsiev A.
E-mail address: aighiuni.bahsiev@sti.usm.md

DOI: https://doi.org/10.29081/SCSB.2026.35.1.03

Abstract

Tomato crop in Moldova is threatened by ˈCandidatus Phytoplasma solaniˈ, a phloem-limited pathogen transmitted by insect vectors. Local tomato varieties were screened by nested-PCR during ten years (2016–2024). Results showed clear variety-dependent susceptibility. Variety Cerasus displayed stable partial resistance (<35% of infected plants). Elvira and Desteptarea were highly vulnerable (50–85%) while Mary Gratefully showed variable incidence (33–92%) influenced by climate conditions of the year. The summarized infection data fluctuated widely between years from epidemic levels (83% in 2016, 72% in 2023) to minimal incidence (10% in 2020). Sequencing of isolates confirmed the persistence of identical strains of phytoplasma over the growing seasons (2018–2020). Ten-year study provides a comprehensive overview of epidemiological situation of ˈCa. P. solaniˈ in the Republic of Moldova and offers valuable information for tomato breeders as well serving a basis for disease control strategies.

Keywords

‘Candidatus Phytoplasma solani’ Stolbur Tomato Molecular diagnosis Sequencing Growing season