Advances in diagnostics and management of viral and phytoplasmal diseases in floriculture

Abstract

Accurate and timely diagnosis of plant viral and phytoplasmal infections plays a key role in effective disease control and maintaining floricultural productivity. This article discusses the advancements in the diagnostics and management of viral and phytoplasmal diseases in floriculture. Phytoplasmas are obligate parasites which solely depend on the propagative planting material or insect for the spread from one location to another. To achieve clean propagative material, certification of mother stocks that are phytoplasma-free besides maintenance of the mother plant under insect-proof net throughout the year is a must.