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ARS Home » Northeast Area » Beltsville, Maryland (BARC) » Beltsville Agricultural Research Center » Molecular Plant Pathology Laboratory » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #424854
Research Project: Omics-Based Approach to Detection, Identification, and Systematics of Plant Pathogenic Phytoplasmas and Spiroplasmas

Location: Molecular Plant Pathology Laboratory

Title: Phytoplasma transmission via seeds: a hypothesis awaiting definitive evidence

Author
item Wei, Wei
item ZHAO, YAN - Retired ARS Employee

Submitted to: CABI(Council of Applied Biology International, Oxford, United Kingdom
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/30/2025
Publication Date: 10/13/2025
Citation: Wei, W., Zhao, Y. 2025. Phytoplasma transmission via seeds: a hypothesis awaiting definitive evidence. CABI(Council of Applied Biology International, Oxford, United Kingdom. 6:94-105. https://doi.org/10.1079/9781800627031.0006.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1079/9781800627031.0006

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The potential for seed transmission of phytoplasmas continues to be an active area of research, with recent studies indicating this pathway as a possible mechanism for pathogen spread. However, there is currently no definitive evidence to demonstrate the viability and infectivity of phytoplasmas transmitted through seeds. This chapter examines the biology of phytoplasmas, current understanding of seed transmission, the mechanisms by which pathogens are spread via seeds, and the unique challenges in establishing seed transmission in phytoplasmas. Additionally, it discusses the policy and regulatory implications of these findings and offers recommendations for future research, including cross-validation by multiple laboratories to ensure robust and reproducible evidence.