Phytoplasma Diseases of Trees: A Comprehensive Review

Phytoplasmas are known to infect different kind of fruits and forest trees worldwide including apples, plum, pears, almond, apricot, peach, cherry, mulberry, citrus and paulownia. The most devastating diseases on trees are Apple’s proliferation (AP) disease, Elm yellows, Pear decline, Citrus witches’ broom and mulberry dwarf that causes upto 50 to 80% yield losses in trees globally. This review paper depicts that the Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris, and Candidatus Phytoplasma prunorum, are the most diverse phytoplasma groups affecting tree populations. This review article explores various phytoplasma diseases affecting trees worldwide, addressing their distribution, symptomatology, effects and approach towards management. Phytoplasmainfected forest and fruit trees not only lead to economic losses but also disrupts the natural aesthetics of the environment.