aster yellows

plural noun

: a widespread disease affecting more than 40 families of plants, characterized especially by yellowing and stunting, and caused by a phytoplasma transmitted by leafhoppers

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web These look like the symptoms of aster yellows, a disease caused by a type of virus called a phytoplasma. —

Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 28 July 2022 The key vector for aster yellows is the aster leafhopper. —

Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 28 July 2022 Hot weather can temporarily deactivate aster yellows, but this won’t resolve the situation. —

Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 28 July 2022 Stunted growth, yellowing leaves and distorted blooms that remain green suggest the presence of a virus-like disease called aster yellows. —

Adrian Higgins, Washington Post, 27 May 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'aster yellows.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1907, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of aster yellows was circa 1907

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Aster yellows.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aster%20yellows. Accessed 22 Mar. 2023.

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