Question

Tomato bigbud caused by phytoplasma is transmitted by

• A. Planthoppers
• B. Leafhoppers
• C. Mites
• D. Thrips

Hint:

Almost all phytoplasma-related diseases (like Little Leaf of Brinjal and Big Bud of Tomato) are transmitted by Leafhoppers.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Phytoplasmas are specialized bacteria that lack a cell wall and inhabit the phloem tissue of plants.
Because they are confined to the phloem, they cannot be transmitted by simple contact; they require specific sap-sucking insect vectors.
Detailed Explanation:
The Tomato Big Bud disease is characterized by extreme swelling of the flower buds (hence "big bud"), phyllody (transformation of floral parts into leaf-like structures), and general stunting.
In India, this disease is primarily transmitted by the Leafhopper Orosius orientalis (also known as Orosius argentatus in older literature).
Leafhoppers act as biological vectors. The phytoplasma must multiply within the body of the leafhopper and reach the salivary glands before the insect can transmit it to a healthy plant.
This is known as persistent-circulative transmission.
Management focuses on controlling the leafhopper population and removing infected "source" plants.

Step 2: Final Answer:
Tomato bigbud is transmitted by Leafhoppers.