Distribution patterns of mulberry dwarf phytoplasma in reproductive organs, winter buds, and roots of mulberry trees

Distribution patterns of mulberry dwarf (MD) phytoplasma were investigated in several organs of dwarf-diseased mulberry trees using direct and nested polymerase chain reactions and electron microscopy. MD phytoplasma was detected in the root of all MD-diseased trees collected from overwintering to before sprouting in the cold district; however, it was not always found in winter buds of the same trees. On the other hand, MD phytoplasma was also detected frequently in reproductive organs, such as flowers (female and bisexual flowerets), fruits (catkins), and seed coats, from a single diseased tree, although the distribution patterns were not uniform. In addition, MD phytoplasma was verified to move into roots from ground plant organs after an artificial inoculation test using the leafhopper Hishimonoides sellatiformis as a vector.