The structure of xylem vessels in grapevine (Vitaceae) and a possible passive mechanism for the systemic spread of bacterial disease.

Xylem-dwelling pathogens become systemic, suggesting that microorganisms move efficiently in the xylem. To better understand xylem pathways and how bacteria move within the xylem, vessel connectivity between stems and leaves of Vitis vinifera cv. Chardonnay and Muscadinia rotundifolia cv. Cowart was studied. Three methods were used: (1) the light-producing bacterium, Yersinia enterocolitica, (Ye) strain GY5232 was loaded into petioles and followed using X-ray film, (2) fluorescent beads were loaded and followed by microscopy, and (3) low-pressure air was pumped into leaves and extruded bubbles from cuts in submerged leaves were followed. Bacteria, beads, and air moved through long and branched xylem vessels from the petiole into the veins in leaves of both varieties. From the stem, bacteria and air traveled into primary and secondary veins of leaves one, two, and three nodes above the loading point of the bacteria or air. Particles and air could move unimpeded through single xylem vessels or multiple vessels (conduits) connected possibly through broken pit membranes from within the stem axis into leaf blades. Bacteria were also able to move long distances within minutes from stem to leaf passively without having to cross pit membranes. Such complex, open xylem conduits have not been well documented before; these findings will help elucidate mechanisms involved in the systemic spread of pathogens.

The Developmental Anatomy of Pierce's Disease Symptoms in Grapevines: Green Islands and Matchsticks.

Symptoms of Pierce's disease were studied in an anatomical context from infected grapevines (Vitis species) collected from field sites within Napa Valley, CA. Two symptoms, green islands and matchsticks, are reported in this study. Green islands formed as a result of incomplete initiation of the phellogen. In regions of the stem where a phellogen and subsequent periderm arose, immediately exterior tissue was cut off, causing it to brown. In regions of the stem where no periderm is formed, the exterior tissues remained green. Consequently, the stem is mottled with both green living epidermis and brown dying epidermis as determined by the presence or absence of an underlying periderm. Matchsticks formed when the leaf lamina separated from the petiole, and the petiole remained attached to the stem. Lamina broke off from the petioles consistently in a fracture zone where xylem from the petiole anastomoses into the five major veins of the leaf. No separation layer was found to explain this pseudoabscission.