Genome sequencing of Candidatus Phytoplasma oryzae, the causative agent of Napier Grass Stunt disease

Napier grass Stunt Disease (NSD) is a disease that severely impairs the growth of Napier grass, with losses of about 70% biomass in infected plants. In Kenya and Uganda, NSD is caused by a phytoplasma belonging to group 16SrXI (Candidatus P. oryzae or rice yellow dwarf). This project aims at sequencing the genome of Napier Grass Phytoplasma, in order to further our understanding of genetic diversity and pathogenicity in phytoplasma. It will lay the foundations for the development of better control measures of the disease.