Microscopic studies of phytoplasma causing sesamum phyllody

Abstract

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is one of the major and valuable oilseed crops in the world because of its high oil quality. Phyllody incited by mycoplasma-like organisms (MLO) is one of the considerable diseases of sesame. This pathogen is present in most of the sesame production area in the world and causes important yield losses. In the present study investigations were carried out on the microscopic studies of phytoplasma. Light microscopy of hand cut sections treated with Dienes’ stain showed blue areas in the phloem region of phyllody-infected plants. Pleomorphic bodies (phytoplasma structures) were observed in phloem sieve elements in diseased plants using transmission electron microscopy (TEM).