The presence of Bois noir phytoplasma (BNp, Stolbur, 16SrXII-A) in Sicily, one of the most important Italian grape-producing regions, has been known since 1996, but its epidemiology and distribution in the region have been studied only recently. Grapevines and weeds showing symptoms of phytoplasma infection were collected in an organic Chardonnay vineyard, chosen as model vineyard, and tested to verify BNp presence. Leaf- and plant-hoppers were also captured in the same field and included in the analysis. Plant and insect infections were assessed by nested PCR with universal and group-specific (16SrI and -V) phytoplasma primer pairs. BNp was detected in the weed species Erigeron bonariensis, which was then determined as a new natural host of this phytoplasma, and in several Auchenorrhyncha species besides Hyalesthes obsoletus, which can be regarded as new potential vectors. To further evaluate the genetic variability of BNp among host plants and potential vectors, PCR-RFLP of the Stolbur phytoplasma-specific vmp1 gene was carried out. The V1 profile was the most representative, other profiles (V4, V9, V10 and V11) were also detected.
