noun
- A microscopic, parasitic bacterium that lacks a cell wall and infects plant cells, causing disease in crops and ornamental plants.
Usage: technical; biology; agriculture
Examples
- Phytoplasma infections can cause yellowing and stunted growth in apple trees.
- The disease is transmitted to plants by insect vectors such as leafhoppers.
- Researchers identified a new phytoplasma species affecting grapevines in the vineyard.
- Phytoplasma-infected plants often show symptoms of wilting and leaf discoloration.
- Farmers use insecticide sprays to control the insects that spread phytoplasma to their crops.