1. Plural of phytoplasma; microscopic, cell-wall-free bacteria that parasitize plant cells and are transmitted by insects, causing various plant diseases.
Usage: technical; biology; agriculture

Examples

• Phytoplasmas are responsible for several economically important crop diseases worldwide.
• The leafhopper transmits phytoplasmas to grapevines, causing flavescence dorée.
• Scientists study phytoplasmas to develop resistant plant varieties.
• Phytoplasmas lack a cell wall, distinguishing them from typical bacteria.
• Aster yellows disease is caused by phytoplasmas spread by insect vectors.