Syndrome of apricot witches broom

Abstract

The syndrome of a new apricot disease - “witches broom” is described. Diseased trees have an abnormally high number of lateral, thin shoots, which again have many abnormal secondary shoots at a very narrow angle. Witches broom shoots are without any blossom buds. We may assume therefore that the apricot witches broom - according to the syndrome - may be listed among the group of witches broom diseases which are caused by a mycoplasma like organism. Some of the witches broom shoots are characterized by very small leaves.