Plant Pathogenic Mollicutes

• Plant Pathogenic Mollicutes

  - Prokaryotic microorganisms like bacteria

  - Unlike bacteria they do not have a unit plasma membrane or cell wall

  - Pleomorphic and sensitive to osmotic change
• Plant Pathogenic Mollicutes

  - Contains both RNA and DNA

  - Resistant to penicillin but sensitive to tetracycline and chloramphenicol
• Symptoms:

  - Yellowing

  - Virescence

  - Stunting

  - Phyllody (production of axillary and adventitious roots)
• Disease caused by mollicutes : Lethal yellowing of coconut tree

  (Phytoplasma)
• Citrus stubborn disease (mollicutes)

  (Spiroplasma)
• Corn stunt (mollicutes)

   (Spiroplasma)