Acronym: SPLL phytoplasma

Other names: Ishuku-byo; witches' broom

Proliferation of shoots and reduced leaf size in infected plant. (F. Zettler, APS).

Diagnostic summary

• What you see on plants

- initially there is vein clearing then development of new leaves that are distinctly smaller and chlorotic.

 - leaves have a rounded shape, often curling at the leaf margins.

-  growth habit tends to be more erect than in healthy plants, internodes are shortened and there is proliferation of axillary shoots which, together with greatly reduced root system, result in weak plants with compressed or bushy appearance.

- number and quality of storage roots are reduced.

- reduced production of latex in vines and roots.

• Widespread in Asia, South-East Asia, Australia and the western Pacific.

• Transmitted by the leafhopper Orosius lotophagorum ryukyuensis and Nesophrosyne ryukyuensis.

Taxonomy

Economic importance

Geographical distribution

Symptoms

Morphology

Biology and ecology

Host range

Management

References

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