Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Little leaf of brinjal is a destructive disease that causes severe reduction in leaf size, shortening of internodes, and a bushy appearance, rendering the plant sterile. It is caused by a phytoplasma (previously called mycoplasma-like organism, or MLO).
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
- Phytoplasmas lack cell walls and reside in the phloem tissue of host plants.
- They cannot be transmitted mechanically through sap or seeds.
- In nature, the little leaf phytoplasma is transmitted from infected to healthy brinjal plants by a phloem-feeding insect vector.
- The primary vector is the leafhopper, scientifically known as Hishimonus phycitis (Distant).
Step 3: Final Answer:
Little leaf disease of brinjal is transmitted by the Leafhopper.