Genetic analysis of <i>Candidatus</i> Phytoplasma <i>aurantifolia</i> population: exploring molecular diversity and haplotype patterns in the <i>sap 11</i> gene

Genetic diversity and population structure of Candidatus Phytoplasma aurantifolia, a bacterium associated with citrus plants, were investigated using sap 11 gene sequences from diverse global sources available on GenBank™. The analysis of 36 sequences unveiled three distinct haplotypes. Notably, Haplotype 1 was exclusive to Oman, while haplotypes 2 and 3 were restricted to India. India demonstrated noteworthy nucleotide and haplotype diversity. Various neutrality indices, including Tajima’s D, Fu and Li’s F, Fu’s Fs, and R2, coupled with unimodal mismatch distributions, indicated a recent population expansion of C. Phytoplasma aurantifolia. This study provides unprecedented insights into the population genetics and haplotype network of Candidatus Phytoplasma aurantifolia, shedding light on its genetic diversity and global distribution. Phylogenetic analysis targeting the sap 11 gene of Candidatus Phytoplasma aurantifolia strains revealed intriguing patterns of genetic variation, resulting in distinct clades and sub-groups.