Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Witches' broom is a plant disease symptom characterized by an abnormal, dense, broom-like clustering of branches, small leaves, and phyllody (floral parts turning into leaf-like structures).
Understanding the specific biological agent responsible for this disease in legumes is essential for proper diagnosis and control.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us evaluate the statements:
- Statement I: This statement asserts that witches' broom of legumes is caused by viruses.
Historically, many diseases with these symptoms were suspected to be viral because the infectious agents could pass through bacteria-retaining filters.
However, subsequent research disproved this theory. Therefore, Statement I is incorrect.
- Statement II: This statement asserts that witches' broom of legumes is caused by bacteria.
It is well-established that witches' broom of legumes is caused by Phytoplasmas.
Phytoplasmas are specialized, wall-less prokaryotes that belong to the class Mollicutes, which are phylogenetically related to Gram-positive bacteria.
Since phytoplasmas are unicellular, prokaryotic organisms (wall-less bacteria), the disease is classified as bacterial (specifically phytoplasmal). Therefore, Statement II is correct.
Thus, Statement I is incorrect and Statement II is correct.
Step 3: Final Answer
The correct option is (D).