LetgenPro|Real Time PCR Kit 300 rxn (Candidatus Phytoplasma pruni)

Candidatus Phytoplasma pruni is an obligate, phloem-limited, and cell-wall-less bacterial pathogen responsible for Peach X-disease, one of the most serious threats to stone fruit production worldwide. Affecting various Prunus species—including peaches, nectarines, and cherries—this phytoplasma causes systemic infections that drastically reduce fruit quality and lead to eventual tree decline. Because it cannot be cultured in vitro, sensitive molecular diagnostic tools are the only reliable means for its early detection and the enforcement of phytosanitary regulations. 

The infection is characterized by distinct foliar symptoms, such as irregular yellow-to-red spotting and “shot-hole” necrotic lesions where the leaf lamina falls out. Infected trees produce small, bitter, and unmarketable fruits, often leading to total crop failure. The pathogen is primarily transmitted by leafhopper vectors in a persistent manner and through the movement of infected nursery stock or grafting materials. Due to its significant economic impact and quarantine status, high-sensitivity screening is essential for protecting commercial orchards and certifying disease-free propagation material.