Management of insect vectors associated with phytoplasma diseases

Hemipteran insects have long been known to transmit the phytoplasmas, although the elucidation of the vector–host–pathogen relationship is far from being well defined and irrefutable. Sustainable approaches to control phytoplasma diseases rely on the control of phytoplasmas' insect vectors. The use of phytoplasma-resistant host plant and phytoplasma-free material for new plantings could represent the starting point for phytoplasma disease management. The use of biocontrol agents, covering plants, and management of the habitats are also known as the most important ways of vector control. The knowledge of microorganisms like bacteria and yeast-like symbionts, living in insect vectors, is regarded as a valuable tool for designing new control methods. In this chapter, an up-to-date overview of vector management in Asian countries is provided.