Article
Microbiology
Behcet Kemal Caglar, Serkan Pehlivan, Ekrem Atakan, Toufic Elbeaino
Summary: In two corn fields in Imamoglu town, Turkey, maize plants showed phytoplasma-like symptoms. Through PCR and sequence analysis, it was identified as Ligustrum witches' broom phytoplasma (LiWBP) with a distant relationship to 16SrII and 16SrXXV groups. This is the first report of LiWBP infecting maize and causing phyllody disease in Turkey, providing new molecular insights into its phylogenetic position.
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Behcet Kemal Caglar, Eray Simsek, Toufic Elbeaino
Summary: A study in Tufanbeyli, Adana, Turkey revealed an emerging witches' broom disease in juniper trees, caused by the Ligustrum witches' broom phytoplasma (LiWBP) and a newly discovered subgroup lineage. PCR analysis showed a high percentage of infected juniper trees and their nucleotide sequences showed a high degree of similarity to LiWBP. This study highlighted the unique evolutionary lineage and genetic divergence of this phytoplasma.
JOURNAL OF PLANT DISEASES AND PROTECTION
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Fuli Ma, Shanqi Zhang, Yu Yao, Mengting Chen, Ning Zhang, Mingsheng Deng, Wei Chen, Chi Ma, Xinyue Zhang, Chenglong Guo, Xiang Huang, Zhenyuan Zhang, Yamei Li, Tingyi Li, Junyong Zhou, Qibao Sun, Jun Sun
Summary: Jujube witches' broom (JWB) phytoplasmas manipulate the ABA pathways mediated by ZjBRC1 to stimulate lateral bud outgrowth and expansion. This research provides insights into the genetic mechanisms acting inside jujube lateral buds under JWB infection.
HORTICULTURE RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
A. M. Al-Subhi, A. M. Al-Sadi, R. A. Al-Yahyai, Y. Chen, T. Mathers, Z. Orlovskis, G. Moro, S. Mugford, K. S. Al-Hashmi, S. A. Hogenhout
Summary: The Witches' Broom Disease of Lime (WBDL) caused by an insect-transmitted phytoplasma has led to a significant decrease in lime production in multiple countries. Research has shown that the gene encoding SAP11 of WBDL phytoplasma interacts with lime TCP transcription factors, inducing witches' broom symptoms and attracting insect vectors. High phytoplasma titers and expression levels of SAP11 were found in symptomatic leaves, suggesting that affected parts of trees contribute to WBDL epidemics by supporting higher phytoplasma levels and attracting vectors.
Article
Microscopy
Junhyung Park, Hyo-Jeong Kim, Yang Hoon Huh, Ki Woo Kim
Summary: The study revealed the presence of multivesicular bodies (MVBs) in phytoplasma-infected jujube leaves, connected to the plasma membrane appressed to the cell wall. Diseased leaves showed increased pore-plasmodesma unit thickness in sieve elements compared to control leaves. Phytoplasma produced pleomorphic cells in sieve elements with various extracellular structures observed, providing valuable insights into intracellular obligate cell wall-less prokaryotes and host phloem structures.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Madem Gurivi Reddy, Govind Pratap Rao
Summary: A duplex PCR assay was standardized for the simultaneous detection of chickpea chlorotic dwarf virus (CpCDV) and a peanut witches' broom (PnWB) phytoplasma associated with chickpea stunt disease. The assay was robust and sensitive, successfully detecting single or mixed infections of the two pathogens in symptomatic chickpea samples collected in India.
Article
Horticulture
Mingsheng Deng, Fuli Ma, Xinyue Zhang, Jinqiu Huang, Jian Yang, Mengting Chen, Junyong Zhou, Qibao Sun, Jun Sun
Summary: Jujube witches' broom (JWB), a devastating disease caused by 'Candidatus Phytoplasma ziziphi', induces symptoms such as phyllody in infected plants. Effector proteins secreted by phytoplasmas play a key role in inducing these symptoms, with SJP3 identified as a potential effector inducing phyllody in infected jujube plants. The study sheds light on the pathogenesis of JWB disease and its interaction with MADS-box genes related to floral organ identity and flowering time.
SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Xu Wang, Chun-Guang Wang, Xiao-Yan Li, Zheng-Nan Li
Summary: In September 2018, pumpkin plants showing symptoms of witches' broom were found in Xinjiang Uyghur autonomous region, China. A phytoplasma related to 'Ca. P. solani' was detected in these plants, marking the first record of phytoplasma presence in pumpkins in China and the first record of 16SrXII phytoplasma infecting pumpkins in the world.
PHYTOPATHOLOGIA MEDITERRANEA
(2021)
Article
Biology
De-Zhi Kong, Cai-Li Lin, Shao-Shuai Yu, Guo-Zhong Tian, Hai-Bin Ma, Sheng-Jie Wang
Summary: This study investigated the molecular diversity of Paulownia witches'-broom (PaWB) phytoplasmas from different geographical regions using multilocus sequence typing (MLST). The results showed high genetic diversity among the PaWB strains, and revealed geographical differentiation and genetic relatedness. The findings provide valuable information for epidemiological studies and PaWB disease control decisions.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Junqiang Yang, Zhongmei Shen, Pengyan Qu, Rui Yang, Anping Shao, Hao Li, Ailing Zhao, Chunzhen Cheng
Summary: This study reported the therapeutic effect of oxytetracycline hydrochloride (OTC-HCl) on jujube witches' broom disease (JWB) and revealed the impact of JWB infection and treatment on gene expression profiling in jujube.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Junyong Zhou, Fuli Ma, Yu Yao, Mingsheng Deng, Mengting Chen, Shanqi Zhang, Yamei Li, Jian Yang, Ning Zhang, Jingqiu Huang, Qibao Sun, Jun Sun
Summary: The study showed that two phytoplasma effectors, SJP1 and SJP2, induce witches' broom and increase lateral branches in jujube trees by repressing the auxin efflux channel. This finding suggests a potential strategy for controlling phytoplasma-associated diseases and a resource for creating new cultivars with varying degrees of shoot branching through gene editing breeding.
PLANT CELL AND ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Chamran Hemmati, Mehrnoosh Nikooei, Abdullah M. Al-Sadi
Summary: The study found that infection of phytoplasmas in Hishimonus phycitis leads to higher fecundity and nymph developmental rate, contributing to an increased overall fitness of the infected population. Additionally, infected female insects had lower survival rates compared to infected males, suggesting a potential fitness trade-off in response to phytoplasma infection.
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Niloofar Mosayyebi, Zahra Mehraban, Majid Siampour, Ghobad Babaei, Fabio Quaglino
Summary: During a field survey in various geographical regions of Iran, phytoplasma-like symptoms were found in peach, almond, wild almond, and GF-677 rootstock. Molecular typing revealed the presence of two subpopulations of almond witches'-broom (AlmWB) phytoplasma strains in Iran, with distinct genetic variations between Iranian and Lebanese strains. Genetic distance analysis showed significant differences between AlmWB phytoplasma strains (16SrIX-B and variants) and phytoplasmas from other 16SrIX subgroups. The study discussed the significance of genetic variation in relation to biological characteristics and geographical distinctions of 16SrIX group phytoplasmas.
ANNALS OF APPLIED BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Leila Rastegar, Maryam Ghayeb Zamharir, Wen-Jing Cai, Hossein Mighani, Alireza Ghassempour, Yu-Qi Feng
Summary: The study found that in Mexican lime trees infected with lime witches'-broom phytoplasma, using Previcur Energy(TM) can induce plant resistance and reduce the severity of the disease. Additionally, the phytoplasma and resistance inducer may affect fundamental processes in plants through regulation of phytohormone levels.
JOURNAL OF PLANT GROWTH REGULATION
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Hamidreza Kabiri, Majid Siampour, Ghobad Babaei
Summary: The host range of two Iranian AlmWB phytoplasma strains, PEAB and AlKI, were examined through graft-inoculation assay. Both strains could infect almond, peach and plum seedlings, with more obvious symptoms in almond cultivars. The strains could not be detected in sweet cherry and Myrobalan plum seedlings. In addition, infection of apricot seedlings could only be detected in those inoculated with the PEAB strain.
JOURNAL OF PLANT PATHOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Plant Sciences
W. Wei, E. Perez-Lopez, Y. Zhao
Article
Microbiology
Yan Zhao, Wei Wei, Robert E. Davis, Ing-Ming Lee, Kristi D. Bottner-Parker
Summary: WBD phytoplasma, as a novel taxon, has unique transmission vector (Psammotettix striatus) and distinctive symptoms in its predominant host (wheat). Ecological, molecular, and genomic evidence justifies the significant divergence of WBD phytoplasma from Ca. P. asteris.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yue Tan, Qingliang Li, Yan Zhao, Hairong Wei, Jiawei Wang, Con Jacyn Baker, Qingzhong Liu, Wei Wei
Summary: The research investigated metabolic alterations induced by sweet cherry virescence (SCV) phytoplasma in sweet cherry trees using a metabolomics approach. The results demonstrated that phytoplasma infection promoted glycolysis and pentose phosphate pathway activities, providing energy and nutrients, and facilitating biosynthesis of necessary low-molecular metabolites.
Article
Ecology
Valeria Trivellone, Wei Wei, Luisa Filippin, Christopher H. Dietrich
Summary: This study revealed that museum collections of herbivorous insects can be a valuable resource for discovering new plant pathogens, unknown phytoplasma strains exist in natural habitats worldwide, posing a potential threat to agricultural systems.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Wei Wei, Valeria Trivellone, Christopher H. Dietrich, Yan Zhao, Kristi D. Bottner-Parker, Algirdas Ivanauskas
Summary: This study identified new phytoplasma strains that represent new genetic subgroups and extend previously undiscovered geographical distributions. Additionally, it was found that certain leafhoppers can harbor phytoplasmas, expanding our understanding of phytoplasmas. Further research on transmission trials and screening of potential host plants and weed reservoirs will help improve our knowledge of phytoplasma transmission and epidemiology.
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Wei Wei, Robert E. Davis, Joseph D. Mowery, Yan Zhao
Summary: This study focused on screening antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) for their potential to inhibit the growth of Spiroplasma kunkelii and Spiroplasma citri. Among the tested AMPs, Novispirin T7 and Caerin 1.1 demonstrated efficacy comparable to tetracycline against these phytopathogenic spiroplasmas. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of the AMPs against S. kunkelii and S. citri were determined in this study.
ANNALS OF APPLIED BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Forestry
Algirdas Ivanauskas, Deividas Valiunas, Jolanta Rimsaite, Jurij Danilov, Donatas Sneideris, Marija Zizyte-Eidetiene, Wei Wei
Summary: This study collected insects from diseased pine trees and their adjacent areas to identify potential insect vectors that spread phytoplasmas. Phytoplasmas were detected in Scots pine aphids, waxy grey pine needle aphids, and species-unknown aphids. The study also identified three new phytoplasma subgroups. Further transmission trial studies on these aphids will provide insights into the epidemiology and pathosystem of pine phytoplasma diseases, as well as disease management.
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF FOREST RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Shakiru Adewale Kazeem, Junichi Inaba, Yan Zhao, Agnieszka Zwolinska, Akindele O. Ogunfunmilayo, Olawale Arogundade, Wei Wei
Summary: The study identified ngpbt strains as belonging to the 16SrXII-O subgroup in the Stolbur phytoplasma group, thereby broadening genetic diversity and expanding geographic distribution. These findings provide insights for further in-depth study on pathosystem and epidemiology of the NGPBT disease, with potential relationships to similar phytoplasma diseases in Australia and Taiwan.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wei Wei, Junichi Inaba, Yan Zhao, Joseph D. Mowery, Rosemarie Hammond
Summary: Witches'-broom is a plant disease caused by phytoplasmas, which results in the excessive initiation and outgrowth of axillary buds. This study investigated the mechanisms of witches'-broom induction by examining sugar metabolism, hormone distribution, and the impact of the disease on the plant.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Biology
Wei Wei, Yan Zhao
Summary: Phytoplasmas, vector-borne and graft-transmissible bacteria, cause various plant diseases leading to economic losses. Their identification relies on molecular techniques. Recent advances in phytoplasma taxonomy, including nomenclature, classification based on gene sequences, and fine differentiation of strains, are summarized. Challenges and future perspectives in phytoplasma taxonomy are outlined.
Article
Plant Sciences
Junichi Inaba, Jonathan Shao, Valeria Trivellone, Yan Zhao, Christopher H. Dietrich, Kristi D. Bottner-Parker, Algirdas Ivanauskas, Wei Wei
Summary: This study identified the plant hosts of phytoplasma-harboring leafhoppers using molecular biology methods and found some potential hosts that had not been documented before. The results indicated a potential spillover/spillback risk of phytoplasma strains between crop and non-crop areas. This research is important for understanding the host range, host shift, and disease epidemiology of phytoplasma.
Article
Agronomy
Roberto Pierro, Kristi Bottner-Parker, Alessandra Panattoni, Wei Wei, Carmine Marcone, Domenico Rizzo, Alberto Materazzi, Fabio Quaglino, Yan Zhao
Summary: Flavescence dore ' e (FD) is a highly threatening grapevine yellows (GY) disease in Europe. Despite control measures, the disease continues to spread in the Tuscany region. The study shows a highly homogeneous lineage of FD in Tuscany.
Article
Plant Sciences
Wei Wei, Jonathan Shao, Kristi D. Bottner-Parker, Yan Zhao
Editorial Material
Plant Sciences
J. Inaba, S. A. Kazeem, Y. Zhao, A. Zwolinska, A. O. Ogunfunmilayo, O. Arogundade, W. Wei
Article
Cell Biology
Junichi Inaba, Bo Min Kim, Yan Zhao, Andrew M. Jansen, Wei Wei
Summary: Phytoplasma infection disrupts ER homeostasis in tomato plants, leading to abnormal accumulation of ER-resident proteins, disrupted ER network structures, and formation of protein aggregates in the phloem. The ER stress and unfolded protein response (UPR) induced by Phytoplasma infection likely contribute to the host plant's defense mechanisms. Activation of UPR and induction of ER stress decrease phytoplasma titer, while suppression of the ER-resident protein BiP increases phytoplasma titer. Understanding the interactions between phytoplasmas and plant hosts at the subcellular level provides valuable insights for controlling phytoplasma diseases.
