Changes in Phytoplasma Densities in Witches' Broom-Infected Jujube Trees over Seasons

The relative density of phytoplasmas in witches'broom (WB)-infected jujube trees was investigated using compatitive polymerase chain reaction (PCR). During dormant and defoliating seasons, the densities of phytoplasmas were about the same in roots and twigs. In early growing season, the density showed the highest rates in roots, then in twigs and in petioles. however, the density was highest in petioles and the lowest in roots during actively growing season. Throughout the year, root samples did not show any serious fluctuation compared with that of t2wigs and petioles. Density was lowest during actively growing season in root samples. In contrast, petiole sample densities varied to a great extent depending on the season, very high during actively growing season, but very low during the early growing season, In twig samples, the densities were very high and almost the same in both defoliating and dormant seasons. Among the parts of the trees, phytoplsma density was the most stable in root samples throughout the year. The highest densities of phytoplasmas were about the same in all tree parts. These results suggest that the phytoplasmas may overwinter not only in roots but also in twigs, and that multiplication rate of phytoplsma becomes very high right after the early growing season.