Original scientific paper

Clover Phyllody Disease in Jugoslavia

Julijana Grbelja ; Hrvatska
Nikola Ljubešić ; Hrvatska

Abstract

White clovers (Trifolium repens L.) with symptoms of flower greening, with virescent inflorescences and with yellowing particularly at the marginal parts of leaves, were found in relatively large areas in Zagreb and Sarajevo. These symptoms are characteristic of yellows-type disease which is called clover phyllody and is caused by mycoplasma-like organisms (MLO).
The structure of abnormal flowers and of inflorescences is described. It has been established that changes affect particularly the calyx and the ovary which are often transformed into leaf-like organs. Even ovules can become green. The greening of the ovary and ovules causes sterility. Whether sterility of plants is total or partial, remains unknown.
Numerous polymorphic MLO of characteristic form and structure were proved by electron microscope in the phloem elements of infected plants. In the healthy control plants of white clovers, MLO were not observed. Therefore, the described abnormalities of white clover flower are caused by MLO.

Keywords

Hrčak ID:

157951

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/157951

Publication date:

31.12.1975.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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