A mycoplasma-like organism associated with Phormium yellow leaf disease

Abstract

Summary The phloem elements of Phormium tenax plants showing symptoms of yellow leaf disease in the field contain mycoplasma-like organisms. These appear to be confined to the phloem and are more numerous in rhizome phloem than in the roots or leaves. No mycoplasma-like organisms were found in healthy plants. Morphologically similar organisms were found in organs of most individuals of the plant hopper Oliarus atkinsoni collected from diseased plants in the field. The mycoplasma-like organisms were observed most frequently in the cells of the gut wall. Attempts to transmit yellow leaf disease with extracts containing the organisms were unsuccessful, as were attempts to culture them in vitro. No virus-like particles were seen in thin sections of cells from diseased plants.