Control of phytoplasma diseases through resistant plants

Phytoplasma diseases are difficult to control and one of the most promising approaches is through the use of resistant plants. Intra- and interspecific differences in the response of plants to various phytoplasma diseases have been observed over the last decades under both experimental and natural infection conditions. This chapter summarizes information on identification of resistant genotypes to a number of major phytoplasma diseases of temperate fruit trees, sesame, brinjal, coconut, jujube and forest trees and shrubs, for which the current knowledge is more advanced than that of other phytoplasma diseases. The resistant genotypes are suitable for disease management and should be regarded as a safe, effective and environmentally friendly control measure. Also, although some genotypes so far identified are not entirely satisfactory for agronomical purposes, they can be further exploited either in conventional breeding programs or through biotechnological approaches aimed at developing plants with suitable agronomic properties in which resistance to phytoplasma diseases is stably inserted.