Analysis of phytoplasma-infected Chinese cherry (Prunus pseudocerasus Lindl.) based on intersimple sequence repeat (ISSR) and methylation sensitive amplification polymorphism (MSAP)

Abstract Background Chinese cherry ( Prunus pseudocerasus Lindl.) is a fruit crop that is susceptible to phytoplasma infection, which causes symptoms such as virescence, phyllody, sterility and stiff fruit. To investigate the effects of phytoplasma infection on the genome and DNA methylation of Chinese cherry, we performed inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) and methylation-sensitive amplified polymorphism (MSAP) analyses on the leaves and floral organs of healthy and infected plants from Qijiang District of Chongqing. Results ISSR analysis revealed no significant differences in the genomic DNA of leaves and floral organs between healthy and infected plants, suggesting that phytoplasma infection did not induce genomic mutations. MSAP analysis showed that phytoplasma infection caused epigenetic variations in both leaves and floral organs, with different degrees of DNA methylation and demethylation. These epigenetic changes may affect gene expression and lead to abnormal plant development. Conclusions This study provides insights into the molecular mechanisms of Chinese cherry phytoplasma disease and fruit development. Potential candidate genes associated with hard fruit formation were also identified, which may be useful for future research in this area.