Abstract
Phytoplasma-induced yellows, little leaf, proliferation of axillary shoots, rosetting and over all retarded growth of infected plants were found in the experimental fields of Phyllanthus amarus (P. niruri) at CIMAP, Lucknow in 1999-2000. The disease incidence was ranged 10-15% in the experimental fields. Transmission electron-microscopy of naturally infected tissues revealed the presence of pleomorphic bodies in the phloem region varied considerably in size, shape and electron opacity. Generally spherical and oval forms were recognized. The bodies showed the typical ultrastructural details of other known plant pathogenic phytoplasmas. They were bounded by a smooth trilaminar membrane and contained ribosome-like granules and DNA-like strands. The symptoms of the disease were temporarily suppressed when treated with the antibiotic tetracycline-HCl. This is the first report of phytoplasma disease of P. amarus from India.
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