These reports
are mainly based on bright-field and fluorescence microscopy,
electron microscopic observations, tetracycline
treatment and to a lesser extent on serological assays.
Following the development of molecular tools,
phytoplasmas have been characterized from as many as
45 plant species in India (Chaturvedi et al., 2010; Rao et
al., 2011). Only a few of these phytoplasmas associated
with more than 25 plant taxonomic families have been
characterized for their taxonomic grouping. Taxonomic
studies of phytoplasmas will help in understanding their
diversity and spread in India. Study on phytoplasma
vectors and alternate plant hosts and other modes of
secondary spread in nature are also important and being
attempted.