Sustainable Management of Phytoplasma Diseases in Crops Grown in the Tropical Belt

Abstract

Phytoplasmas are devastating plant pathogens that are capable of infecting a wide array of plant species, including most crop plants. These are vectored by phloem- feeding insects, mostly leafhoppers, plant hoppers, and psyllids, which transmit the disease during feeding. Phytoplasma-infected plants exhibit symptoms of mal- formed plants and seeds, sometimes resulting in severe declines in the yield of field crops, fruits, and vegetables worldwide. Economic losses associated with phyto- plasma infections are high every year due to their impacts on economically and ecologically important crops. In tropical countries, which commonly features agri- culture among the top three income sources, the impact has been especially devas- tating. The lack of an effective cure means that appropriate management is required to reduce the impact of diseases caused by phytoplasmas. This includes rapid, rigor- ous, and sensitive methods to detect phytoplasma infections in plants and insects and the ability to accurately differentiate and classify phytoplasmas to facilitate epidemiological investigations of disease incidence and spread. Several books cov- ering different aspects of this important plant pathogen have been published, but to date, this is the first book focusing on the management of phytoplasma diseases affecting plant hosts in selected tropical countries. These countries can be strongly impacted by phytoplasmas due to the importance of agriculture in their economies as well as the continuous growth cycles of insect vectors. In 12 chapters contributed by experienced scientists worldwide, we have explored the management strategies employed by farmers in Mexico, Cuba, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, China, and other tropical countries. We are sincerely grateful to all of the contributing authors and to Springer Nature, all of whom were key to the realization of this book. The editors also express special appreciation to Jannet Tam and Devvyn Murphy for their assistance in proofreading this book. We are confidente that this book will be useful for plant pathologists, agronomists, entomologists, extension specialists, and farmers in general interested in the management of phy- toplasma diseases