The present invention provides methods for development of a virulent bacteriophage-based treatment for the control of plant diseases caused byXylella fastidiosa. The invention further provides methods of isolating and propagating bacteriophage virulent toX. fastidiosain aXanthomonasbacterial host and for treating or reducing symptoms ofX. fastidiosainfection in a plant. The invention further provides methods of isolating and propagating bacteriophage virulent toXanthomonas axonopodispv.citriand for treating or reducing symptoms ofXanthomonas axonopodispv.citriinfection in a plant.