First detection and molecular characterization of grapevine phytoplasmas in Kosovo

A search for phytoplasma‐associated diseases was conducted for the first time in the main grapevine‐growing localities of the Dukagjini plain in Kosovo. A total of 144 samples were collected from grapevine cultivars displaying leaf yellowing, reddening, discolouration and irregular wood ripening, and analysed using nested and quantitative PCR assays. These assays showed that 35.4% of samples belonging to eight cultivars were positive to the...