Witches’ Broom disease of Bamboo - New report on economically important Bamboos in South India

Abstract

During the investigation on diseases of important tree species we came across the disease caused by phytoplasma with symptoms of typical witches’ broom phenotype in economically important bamboo species in south India. Severe incidence of this disease to the extent of 15% was observed in economically important bamboos like Bambusa bambos (L.) Voss at Marayoor (Kerala) and in Dendrocalamus strictus (Roxb.) Nees, D. stocksii (Munro.) and D. asper (Schult.) Backer in Nallal (Karnataka). The diseased culms showed bending due to weight and in many cases it showed burnt appearance and different states of dyeing. Further it attracts the infestations of termites and the extent of drying may stimulate catching of fire. As this disease was found spreading on economically important bamboos of south India, early diagnostic accreditation of the disease along with management of insect vectors will help to reduce their exposure to witches’ broom disease.