Chilli little leaf -- a new phytoplasma disease in India

Chilli little leaf -- a new phytoplasma disease in India

2000

A:PS

During 1996-97, a disease causing small leaves on chilli (Capsicum annuum) cv. Pusa Jwala was observed around Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Other symptoms include malformation and proliferation of axillary buds. Infected plants had many abnormally filiformed small leaves which failed to attain full size. Flower buds were upright instead of pendulous. As the disease progressed, all the freshly produced flowers became phylloid and leaves became progressively smaller. Infected plants did not bear fruits and early infection caused 100% yield loss. Studies showed that the disease is caused by a phytoplasma and is transmitted by grafting.

v.53(3):309-310, INDIAN PHYTOPATHOLOGY

Research > Published Articles