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Nature Reviews Microbiology 6, 713 (1 October 2008) | doi:10.1038/nrmicro2006

Symbiosis: Follow the scent

Susan Jones

The bacterial pathogen Candidatus Phytoplasma mali alters the odour of the plant that it infects to ensure maximum spread, according to new research published in the Journal of Chemical Ecology. Apple proliferation disease, which causes severe economic losses, is caused by Ca. P. mali, and is characterized by thin branches that form 'witches brooms' and tiny, tasteless fruit that cannot be sold.