Plant and arthropod mycoplasmas
The team is focusing on collaborations mainly based on broad researches about mycoplasmas infecting plants and insects. Main topics are descriptions of 'Candidatus Phytoplasma' and Spiroplasma species not yet formally described, their sequencing and annotation, their comparative genomics and elucidation of strain diversity. Establishment of axenic phytoplasma culture, development of genetic tools for gene expression, characterization of determinants of virulence and transmissibility in pathogenic species are also subject of research and collaboration. Collection and maintenance of phytoplasma strains transmitted to periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) or in original host plants is also carried out (http://www.ipwgnet.org/collection) for archival purposes.
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The team has an email list for announcements for webinars and symposia, calls for collaboration, and general discussion. To join this team email list, please contact the team leader directly.
Also visit the International Phytoplasmologist Working Group (IPWG) website:
