Thus, the occurrence of phytoplasma-related witches’ broom disease appears to be connected to the international
exchange of commercial bamboo cuttings that are latently phytoplasma-infected. Although assessments of economic losses are not available, a systemic infection is expected to adversely affect stand productivity of bamboos in the near future. This finding also suggests that these infections may contribute directly or indirectly to premature mortality of this species in Korea and other countries. Therefore, these organisms may be a critical factor in the etiology of bamboo degeneration, but further research is needed to verify the exact role of the phytoplasmas.