Solanum melongena and Brinjal little leaf phytoplasma
The Genome Sequencing Project of Brinjal Little Leaf (BLL) Phytoplasma aims to decode the genetic blueprint of a serious plant pathogen associated with stunted growth and yield loss in eggplant (Solanum melongena L.), a vital Indian crop. The disease is related to a phytoplasma: an unculturable, phloem-inhabiting bacterium transmitted by sap-sucking insects. Since these organisms cannot be cultured in laboratories, traditional research approaches are limited. By applying advanced genome sequencing directly to infected plant material, scientists are uncovering how the BLL -related phytoplasma survives, spreads, and influences plant development. The genome reveals key genes for host colonization, survival, and virulence, including effector proteins that reprogram plant growth. These insights enable the creation of rapid diagnostic tools, support breeding for disease-resistant brinjal varieties, and improve strategies to manage insect vectors. The data also help monitor phytoplasma diversity and evolution in India, bolstering quarantine and biosecurity systems. As part of India's broader efforts to explore microbial biodiversity, this project strengthens agricultural sustainability and food security. It empowers farmers through science-driven interventions and contributes to global understanding of these elusive, host-dependent pathogens. The genome sequence will be publicly available to benefit researchers, policymakers, and the farming community alike.