Little leaf of Brinjal

Little leaf of Brinjal:-

Pathogen:- Mycoplasma like organism (MLO)

Vector:- 

> The disease is transmitted through by the vector Brown leaf hopper (Cestius phycitis). 

> Probably during the season of Brinjal crop, the causal agent survives on weed hosts and from there it is transmitted to main crop by its insect vector.

Symptoms:-

> The main symptom of the disease is the production of very short leaves by affected plant. 

> The petioles are so much reduced in size that leaves appear sticking to the stem. Such leaves are narrow, soft, smooth and yellowish in colour.

> Newly formed leaves are further reduced in size. 

> The internodes are shortened and at the same time large number of axillary buds are stimulated to grow into short branches with small leaves. This gives whole plant a bushy appearance. 

> Usually such plant unable to form flowers. 

> Fruiting is very rare.

Management:- No effective control method is found.

Physical methods:-

> Plant disease-resistant varieties such as Padagoda.

> Avoid cultivating alternative host plants like Chilli/Pepper.

> Provide adequate space while planting ideally 90x75 cm.

> Adjust sowing time to avoid the insect vector's peak season.

> Regularly monitor the field for signs of leafhopper infestation ensure it is disease-free.

> Remove and destroy the infected plants immediately.

> Get rid of susceptible host plants (weeds).

> Use barrier crops around your field that hinder the vector to directly infest your crop.

> Conserve natural enemies and beneficial insects.

Chemical method:- Tetra-cycline has been reported to control the disease.