Possible vector insect of mulberry dwarf phytoplasma, Tautoneura mori Matsumura

Mulberry dwarf (MD) phytoplasma was surveyed for its presence in presumably nonvector insects (two species of leafhoppers, thrips, and spider mites) collected from MD-diseased trees. MD phytoplasma was found in all species by nested polymerase chain reaction using specific primers for the 16Sr I-group phytoplasma. By electron microscopy, MD phytoplasma was observed in the salivary glands of the leafhopper Tautoneura mori Matsumura. In addition, the vector ability of T. mori was verified through bioassay; 25% of seedlings inoculated with infective leafhoppers had MD symptoms, suggesting that T. mori may act as a vector of MD phytoplasma in fields in some cases.