Larch is a new host for a group 16SrI, subgroup B, phytoplasma in Ukraine.

A phytoplasma strain belonging to group 16SrI, subgroup B ('Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris'), the most widely spread phytoplasma worldwide, was detected in diseased larch (Larix sp.) in Ukraine. Detection, identification, and classification of the larch infecting phytoplasma were accomplished through RFLP and sequence analysis of 16S rRNA and ribosomal protein (rp) gene sequences amplified in polymerase chain reactions. The larch infecting phytoplasma was named larch dwarfed needle proliferation (LDNP) phytoplasma. The findings revealed Larix as a previously unknown host of phytoplasma and indicated that 'Ca. P. asteris' is capable of infecting a gymnosperm, while raising questions concerning the identity of possible insect vector(s) involved in transmission of 'Ca. P. asteris' to larch and perhaps to other gymnosperms.