NPDN 2007 Meeting - Preparing for Citrus Leprosis

NPDN National Meeting 2007

Poster Abstract

Preparing for Citrus Leprosis

Authors: CARRIE L. HARMON, Ronald H. Brlansky, Tim S. Schubert

Affiliations: Department of Plant Pathology, UF, Gainesville, FL, USA; Department of Plant Pathology, Citrus Research and Ed. Center, Lake Alfred, FL, USA; Division of Plant Industry, Florida Dept. of Ag. and Consumer Services, Gainesville, FL, USA

The exotic disease known as citrus leprosis is caused by Citrus Leprosis Virus (CiLV), a Brevipalpus mite-transmitted rhabdovirus. Infecting mainly oranges and mandarins, the virus has the potential to impact citrus production both in commercial and residential settings. CiLV is currently an important disease in South America, has recently appeared on citrus in Central America and Mexico, but has not been detected in the US since its virtual disappearance from Florida in the late 1920’s corresponding to the adoption of sulfur sprays for mite control. The mite vectors, which have unusually broad host ranges, persist in Florida and are present in other major US citrus production areas. The 2 types of virus particles that cause leprosis are localized to the nucleus or cytoplasm; the virus is not systemic in the infected plant. Primary diagnosis is by observation of symptoms, which include stem and fruit lesions that may coalesce, accompanied by chlorotic and necrotic leaf spots. Electron microscopy and light microscopy can confirm the presence of the virus particles and inclusion bodies respectively, and recently developed molecular diagnostic methods are in use in Brazil. Exclusion and early detection with eradication are superior to disease management methods which employ miticides for vector control and selective pruning to remove infected tissues.

View Poster Back to Poster Presentations