Frequency distribution of sesame phyllody disease associated with phytoplasmas in Antalya province of Turkey

Sesame phyllody is a very serious and destructive disease associated with phytoplasmas: the infected plants become stunted and the floral parts are modified in to leafy structures bearing no fruits and seeds resulting in significant yield losses. Various symptoms occur according with different growing stages and time of infection. During 2008 to 2010 growing seasons, lots of sesame plants infected with phyllody disease were observed in Antalya province located in the southern Turkey. In the 2011 growing season, the disease frequency distribution was recorded as 62%, 59%, 42%, 37% and 56% for Aksu, Bogazkent, Denizyaka, Beskonak and Dosemealti, respectively. Visual overall inspections of sesame fields in Antalya province indicated a disease incidence up to 50%.