Phytopathogenic Mollicutes

This study extensively examines phytoplasma-associated diseases in various fodder crops, including alfalfa, maize, sorghum, millet, napier grass and clover. The most severe phytoplasma diseases are alfalfa witches’ broom, maize bushy stunt, napier grass stunt and clover proliferation. This review encompasses the geographical distribution of these diseases, their symptoms, potential alternative hosts, the phytoplasma taxa involved, and their incidence rates. Additionally, insect vectors’ role in transmitting diseases is highlighted when available. Notably, phytoplasma ribosomal groups such as 16SrI, 16SrII, 16SrIII, 16SrVI, 16SrVII, 16SrXI, 16SrXII, 16SrXIV, 16SrXVI, and 16SrXXIV have been identified in these fodder crops. Furthermore, leafhopper species including Dalbalus maidis, Orosius albicinctus, Empoasca decipiens, Neoaliturus haematoceps and Recilia banda results as vectors for some of these phytoplasmas.