Nested PCR and RFLP analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene.

Current phytoplasma detection and identification methods are primarily based on nested polymerase chain reaction followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis and gel electrophoresis. These methods can potentially detect and differentiate all phytoplasmas including those previously not described. The present protocol describes the application of this method for identification of phytoplasmas at 16S rRNA (16Sr) group and 16Sr subgroup levels.