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
Genetics & Heredity
Lijiao Li, Na Guo, Yabing Cao, Xiaoqiao Zhai, Guoqiang Fan
Summary: In this study, 5 PfCaMs and 58 PfCMLs were identified and their conservation and divergence were analyzed through bioinformatics. Some of these genes may be involved in plants' response to phytoplasma infection and exogenous calcium therapy, indicating their role in abiotic and biotic stress responses. Subcellular localization analysis showed that PfCML10 was located in the cell membrane and nucleus. These findings provide a stronger platform for further investigation of the functions of these genes in trees and their roles in Paulownia witches' broom occurrence.
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
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
Genetics & Heredity
Xiaogai Zhao, Bingbing Li, Xiaoqiao Zhai, Haifang Liu, Minjie Deng, Guoqiang Fan
Summary: This study identified 138 R2R3-MYB genes in Paulownia, which were classified into 27 subfamilies based on gene structures and phylogenetic relationships. The upregulation of PfR2R3-MYB15 in response to phytoplasma infections was observed, and its overexpression induced branching symptoms in another plant species. PfR2R3-MYB15 was found to interact with PfTAB2 and may participate in biosynthesis of photosystem elements. These findings lay a foundation for future investigations on the R2R3-MYB TF family in Paulownia and other plants.
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
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Haibo Yang, Zhe Wang, Xiaoqiao Zhai, Zhenli Zhao, Xibing Cao, Minjie Deng, Yabing Cao, Bingbing Li, Shunmou Huang, Guoqiang Fan
Summary: A PfmiR156f-PfSPL regulatory module was identified in Paulownia fortunei infected by phytoplasma through ceRNA regulatory network and degradome sequencing, and its relationship was verified. The stability of PfSPL1 was found to be regulated by PfmiR156 cleavage activity and/or the 26S proteasome pathway at the post-translation level. PfSPL1, a transcription factor, was targeted by multiple effectors attacking Paulownia. This study provides insights into the mechanism of phytoplasma infection in Paulownia.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
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
Plant Sciences
Karolina Heyduk, Edward McAssey, Richard Field, Jim Leebens-Mack
Summary: Crassulacean acid metabolism, or CAM photosynthesis, was first described in the early to mid-20th century. Since then, scientists have conducted detailed biochemical analyses to further understand this metabolic pathway's carbon balance. The study of CAM in Agavoideae, particularly in the genus Agave, has provided valuable insights into CAM ecophysiology and the evolution of CAM traits. Additionally, new genomics research and the investigation of intraspecific variation within species of the Agavoideae, specifically in the genus Yucca, hold great potential for advancing our understanding of CAM biology and evolution.
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
Bingbing Li, Dan Lin, Xiaoqiao Zhai, Guoqiang Fan, Zhenli Zhao, Xibing Cao, Haibo Yang, Tiandong Che, Zan Yuan, Tao Liu
Summary: This study investigated the chromatin structure and its changes in Paulownia under phytoplasma infection using Hi-C technology. The strongest interactions between chromosomes were found in the telomeres. Combined analysis of other data indicated that the chromatin structure changed and the modification levels of certain histones increased in phytoplasma-infected Paulownia. Additionally, several genes associated with phytoplasma stress were identified.
Review
Horticulture
Shuo Qiu, Ke Xia, Yanni Yang, Qiaofen Wu, Zhiguo Zhao
Summary: Facultative CAM plants have the potential to undergo a transition from C-3 to CAM photosynthesis, accompanied by significant changes in anatomy, physiology, metabolism, and molecular properties. In addition, these plants show potential for sustainable food crop and biomass production.
Article
Plant Sciences
Stijn Daems, Nathalie Ceusters, Roland Valcke, Johan Ceusters
Summary: CAM plants have the ability to fix carbon at night and release malic acid during the day, saving water. However, there is limited research on the effects of chilling temperatures on CAM plants. This study emphasizes the importance of understanding the physiological responses to chilling in order to promote sustainability in the horticultural sector.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Yu Wang, J. Andrew C. Smith, Xin-Guang Zhu, Stephen P. Long
Summary: A biochemical model integrated with 3-D shoot morphology was developed to simulate CAM plant productivity, and it successfully predicted the carbon uptake of Agave tequilana over daily and annual courses. The theoretical energy conversion efficiency of Agave spp. was found to be up to 7% higher than for C-3 photosynthesis, but the actual productivity was influenced by light interception, biochemical and anatomical limitations. However, it still demonstrated the potential of CAM plants in climates with limited crop options.
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)