Jassid-vectored virus complex in brinjal

Brinjal little leaf (BLL) is a widespread phytoplasma disease of brinjal (Brinjal Crop) in India responsible for severe yield and quality losses. It is the most economically important phytoplasma disease of the crop and is reported from all major eggplant-growing states.

Identification and symptoms

Affected plants show reduced leaf size, witches' broom branching, shortened internodes, phyllody (transformation of floral parts into leaf-like structures) and overall stunting. Infected plants seldom set marketable fruit. Symptoms become visible within a few weeks of vector inoculation.

Host crops and life cycle

The causal agent is a phytoplasma. Sixteen of eighteen Indian strains characterised by ICAR researchers belong to the 16SrVI clover-proliferation group, with subgroup 16SrVI-D the most widespread. The leafhopper Hishimonus phycitis is the confirmed natural vector. The brinjal/cotton jassid Amrasca biguttula biguttula is implicated as an additional carrier in field surveys, giving the disease its common name as a "jassid-vectored" complex in Indian extension materials.

Damage and economic impact

Once a plant is infected there is no cure; losses are effectively total at the plant level. In high-incidence pockets, BLL can reduce field yields by half or more in the rainy-season crop.

Management

Management is integrated: rogue and destroy symptomatic plants on first detection, control leafhopper vectors with systemic insecticides such as imidacloprid or thiamethoxam, avoid carrying over infected ratoons, and plant tolerant varieties where available. Insect-proof seedling raising and clean nursery practices reduce primary inoculum.

References

Molecular characterization and vector identification of brinjal little leaf phytoplasmas in India. PubMed Central.
Brinjal little leaf phytoplasma overview. EPPO Global Database.