Risk Factors

The development of phytoplasmas results mainly from a combination of sources of infection, with the presence of other host plants in the vicinity, and the presence of its vectors, the leafhoppers (hot and dry summers favour both the development and the migration of leafhoppers).

Controlling weeds within and around a susceptible crop can reduce the potential phytoplasmas reservoirs and also the host plants for the survival and the spread of the vectors.