Fig. 3.

Proposed model of pathogen-induced alteration of meristem fates. In this model, PPT phytoplasma-induced floral reversion and vegetative proliferation takes place through transcriptional suppression of key meristem switching genes, altering meristem fate. Early termination of FM, arrested IM-to-FM transition, delayed transition from apical meristem to IM, and release of apical dominance. AN, anantha gene; BB, big bud; CLI, cauliflower-like inflorescence; DSGP, disrupted sympodial growth pattern; LeWUS, tomato Wuschel gene; SFT, single flower truss gene; WB, witches’ broom. The downward blue arrowheads indicate suppression of respective genes. The pink cross indicates point of meristem fate derailment.