Abstract
Alfalfa witches’ broom manifested by an expressive increase in the number of stems and dwarfing of the affected plants was found in Czechoslovakia. The disease is not saptransmissible and was transmitted by grafting to healthy alfalfa plants. The disease occurrence is sporadic. The symptoms observed in comparison with those described in Australia and USA are mild and inconspicuous. Electron micrographs of ultrathin sections showed the presence of numerous mycoplasma-like organisms (MLO) in diseased but not in healthy phloem tissues.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Bowyer, J. W., Atherton, J. G., Teakle, D. S., Ahern, G. A.: Mycoplasma-like bodies in plants affected by legume little leaf, tomato big bud and lucerne witches’ broom disease. - Aust. J. biol. Sci.22: 271–274, 1969.
Edwards, E. T.: Witches’ broom. A new virus disease of lucerne. - J. aust. Inst. agr. Sci.1: 31–32, 1935.
Kunkel, L. O.: Transmission of alfalfa witches’ broom to nonleguminous plants by dodder and cure in periwinkle by heat. -Phytopathology42: 27–31, 1952.
Lombardo, G., Bassi, M., Gerola, F. M.: Myooplasma-development and cell alterations in white clover affected by clover dwarf. - Protoplasma70: 61–71, 1970.
Menzies, J. D.: Witches’ broom of alfalfa in North America. - Phytopathology36: 762–774, 1946.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Smrz, J., Ulrychová, M. & Jokeš, M. Alfalfa witches’ broom in Czechoslovakia and demonstration of mycoplasma-like organisms in the affected plants. Biol Plant 23, 381–383 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02877419
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02877419