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

Examples of aster yellows in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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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

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1907, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of aster yellows was circa 1907

Dictionary Entries Near aster yellows

Cite this Entry

“Aster yellows.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aster%20yellows. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

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