Diversity, distribution and status of phytoplasmas diseases in Myanmar

Phytoplasma diseases are not considered as destructive diseases in Myanmar as compared with fungi, bacteria, viruses, and nematodes. Five “Ca. Phytoplasma” species have been identified associated with 21 plant species in Myanmar. Ca. P. aurantifolia was the most widespread strain in Myanmar followed by, “Ca. P. asteris,” “Ca. P. oryzae,” “Ca. P. cynodontis,” and “Ca. P. balanitae.” “Ca. P. balanitae” was proposed as a new Candidatus species in Myanmar. Phytoplasma diseases associated with sesame phyllody, legumes, cucurbits, tomato, sugarcane, and ornamentals are the most important economical diseases in Myanmar which are causing regular losses to the crops every year. Not much work has been done on natural reservoirs and transmission studies of phytoplasma strain reported on different crops in Myanmar. In this chapter, an updated account of phytoplasma diseases in different crops, their identification, diversity, symptoms, and distribution has been discussed.