Correct option is D
Phytoplasma diseases are caused by wall-less prokaryotic organisms that affect plant vascular tissues. Sandal spike, grassy shoot of sugarcane, and little leaf of brinjal are well-known
phytoplasma diseases.
Black rot of crucifers is caused by a bacterial pathogen and not by phytoplasma.
Information booster: Phytoplasmas are transmitted mainly by
insect vectors such as leafhoppers. They cause symptoms like
witches’ broom, yellowing, stunting, and proliferation of shoots. These pathogens are restricted to the
phloem tissues of plants. Management focuses on
vector control and removal of infected plants.
Why other options are incorrect: (a)
Sandal spike is a classic example of phytoplasma disease. (b)
Grassy shoot disease of sugarcane is caused by phytoplasma infection. (c)
Little leaf of brinjal is also caused by phytoplasma.