Insect vector transmission of phytoplasmas and citrus greening bacteria in diverse agricultural crops of India

The history of phytoplasma associated diseases and citrus greening/"huanglongbing” (HLB) presence in India is about 130 and 300 years old, respectively. Different species of leafhoppers, planthoppers and psyllids are known as natural/putative vectors of different strains of phytoplasma/ HLB strains identified in India. Among them, leafhoppers are the major group of insects responsible for transmission of several phytoplasma strains in brinjal, sesame, sugarcane, rice, wheat, bamboo, chickpea, fruits and ornamentals. Species of Cofana unimaculata, Empoasca indicus, Hishimonusphycitis, Mukaria splendida, Orosius albicinctusand Recilia dorsalisare reported as potential vector species in the transmission of 16SrI, 16SrII, 16SrVI, 16SrXI and 16SrXIV groups of phytoplasma strains. Moreover Stephanis typica, Laodelphax striatellus and Sogatella furcifera are reported as vectors of 16SrXI, 16SrVI and 16SrXIV phytoplasma strains in coconut root wilt, rapeseed phyllody, wheat chlorotic streak and stunt under field conditions. However, only one species of psyllid, Dia phorina citri is reported transmitting the HLB bacterium in India.