Exploring Plant Epigenetic Responses to Paulownia Witches'-Broom Phytoplasma Infection

Phytoplasma infection induces epigenetic changes in plants, thereby affecting their growth and development. Paulownia trees, widely cultivated for timber, ornamental purposes, and agroforestry, are severely threatened by paulownia witches'-broom (PaWB) disease, associated with phytoplasma infection. Modifications to DNA, RNA, or protein (without altering DNA sequences) have been implicated in the development of PaWB disease. This chapter explores the epigenetic responses of Paulownia spp. to PaWB disease, highlighting the roles of DNA methylation, lysine acetylation and succinylation, histone methylation and acetylation, non-coding RNA regulation, mRNA modification, and protein modifications in disease development and resistance. These findings enhance our understanding of how plants respond to phytoplasma-induced stress and offer potential strategies for managing similar plant diseases through targeted epigenetic interventions.