First observation of little leaf disease and its impact on the yield and composition of the essential oil of rose-scented geranium (Pelargonium sp.)

Rose-scented geranium (Pelargonium sp.) plants infected with little leaf disease, probably caused by mycoplasma, were firstly observed during 1996–1998. The plants exhibited symptoms of reduced leaf/petiole size (little leaf), yellowing and bunching of leaves and cessation of plant growth, resulting in plant mortality. Plant parameters, viz. plant height, plant spread, number of branches, leaf size, leaf weight, etc., were adversely affected by...