Solving for X

An epidemic of X-disease, also known as Little Cherry Disease, is responsible for more than $30 million in losses to the U.S. sweet cherry industry annually. X-disease is caused by a bacterium called Candidatus Phytoplasma pruni spread by small insects called leafhoppers. Researchers at the USDA-ARS in collaboration with Washington State University conduct applied and fundamental research to combat X-disease. They found that growers can lower the risk of X-disease by managing broadleaf weeds and removing cherry root suckers used by the leafhopper vectors. They are currently investigating the use of netting as a physical barrier to leafhoppers, and the use of thermotherapy to kill Phytoplasma in plants. They are also developing innovative delivery systems to introduce novel treatments to cure trees of the disease. These delivery systems include a biofactory called symbiont that grows on trees, and direct plant infusion. Both delivery systems transport novel curing compounds to the plant’s vascular system. Their research will provide growers with tools to reduce leafhopper vectors before they transmit X-disease phytoplasma to trees, and with novel technologies to directly cure trees infected with the disease.