An Isoenzyme Analysis of the Genus Phytomonas: Genetic, Taxonomic and Epidemiologic Significance

We studied 31 Phytomonas stocks isolated from various hosts and a broad geographical range by isoenzyme electrophoresis (14 loci) and population genetics analysis. The total variability is considerable since many stocks share no allele. Population genetic analysis strongly suggests that Phytomonas zymodemes behave as natural clones, as already proposed by us for several other protozoan species. These clones should be considered as actual taxa in all applied studies. Latex plants and phloemic plants (coconut and palm trees) harbor distinct sets of clones; hence, latex plants studied in this article are probably not a reservoir for parasites of the coconut and palm tree.