Chapter 17 - Diversity, distribution, and status of phytoplasma diseases in Lebanon

Abstract

The emergence of phytoplasma diseases in Lebanon dates two decades back when almond witches' broom (AlmWB) was reported as the first phytoplasma disease in almond trees. Accordingly, phytoplasma diseases are considered to be invasive diseases of economic importance that affect fruit trees and some field crops in several regions of Lebanon. To date, phytoplasmas associated with emerging diseases in Lebanon are AlmWB phytoplasma identified on almond and peach trees threatening stone fruit production and food security at family and country levels, grapevine yellows “bois noir” and ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma omanense’ on wine grapes producing serious disturbances in plant growth and productivity, pear decline, ‘Ca. P. trifolii’ in tomatoes and peppers, in addition to other phytoplasmas reported in cactus and in several wild plant species belonging to groups/subgroups 16SrII, 16SrIX-B, 16SrIX-C, and 16SrXII-A. This chapter deals with the current status of the phytoplasma diseases in Lebanon, and their diversity and geographical distribution.