Tomato big bud

Definition

A phytoplasma disease of solanaceous crops, notably tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and eggplant, characterized by excessive proliferation of buds, virescence (greening of petals), phyllody (leaf-like transformation of floral parts), and sterility due to loss of fruit set. The condition results from infection by several distinct Candidatus Phytoplasma taxa, most notably strains in the 16SrII-D subgroup (Australia, Middle East) and 16SrIII-J subgroup (Tanzania), transmitted primarily by leafhoppers in the family Cicadellidae, including species of Orosius (formerly Austroagallia) and Circulifer.

Etymology

Descriptive: "big bud" refers to the pathognomonic symptom of swollen, proliferating axillary and terminal buds; "tomato" denotes the principal economic host.

Example

In Australian glasshouse operations, Tomato big bud outbreaks often coincide with population surges of the brown leafhopper Orosius orientalis; vector control through insecticide-treated screens and elimination of wild Solanum reservoirs are standard integrated management practices.

Synonyms

• TBB
• Tomato big bud phytoplasma disease

Related Terms

• phytoplasma
• leafhopper
• Vector
• virescence
• phyllody
• Aster yellows
• Candidatus Phytoplasma
• Cicadellidae
• solanaceous crops

Usage Notes

The term refers to the disease syndrome rather than a single pathogen; strain identity varies geographically and requires molecular characterization (16S rRNA or secY gene sequencing) for precise assignment. Distinguish from big bud disease of citrus (caused by different phytoplasmas) and from physiological disorders of tomato. In entomological contexts, emphasize vector biology and transmission efficiency rather than plant pathology details.