[4] The main cause of virescence is the presence of phytoplasma, pathogenic microorganisms that infect plants and disrupt their growth.
Diagnosing it can be challenging in some cases, as naturally green-colored flowers and genetic factors modifying anthocyanin distribution in plants can mimic its symptoms.
While the most notable phytoplasma-associated diseases are commonly reported in commercially grown flowering species, virescence also affects horticultural and seed crops, including tomatoes, cabbages, strawberries, and clover, among others.
Additionally, virescence can serve as an indicator of phytoplasma infection, which can cause significant production losses in agricultural and horticultural crops.
Therefore, a better understanding of virescence and its influencing factors is crucial for plant disease control and sustainable agriculture management.