Two groups of phytoplasma were identified in chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflorum) cv. Chunkwang showing distinct symptoms. Isolate Ph-ch1 showed symptoms of dwarf, witches`-broom, rosette and root death. The other isolate, Ph-ch2, revealed symptoms of dwarf, yellowing, leaf cupping, vein clearing and root death. The presence of phytoplasma structures in chrysanthemum leaf tissue was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. The 16S rRNA gene was amplified from isolates Ph-ch1 and Ph-ch2 by PCR and cloned, and the nucleotide sequences were determined. In RFLP analysis, isolate Ph-ch2 showed profiles identical to Ph-ch1, except with restriction enzymes HhaI and MseI. The sequence data showed that isolate Ph-ch1 was most closely related to the aster yellows (AY) phytoplasma, and isolate Ph-ch2 was more closely related to stolbur phytoplasma than to AY phytoplasma. This is the first reported observation of stolbur phytoplasma in chrysanthemum species.