MLO‐Infected Weeds in the Vineyards of North‐western Italy

Abstract

Abstract Ten species of herbaceous plants and shrubs with MLO symptoms such as stunting, bushing, yellowing, reddening, virescence or phyllody were collected in both grapevine yellows (GY)‐infected and uninfected vineyards. By electron microscopy, MLOs were found in the sieve tubes of eight species. The presence of MLOs in Picris echioides is demonstrated for the first time. The possible role of MLO‐infected weeds in the spread of GY disease is discussed.