Author
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Hartung, John |
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Submitted to: Sunkist World
Publication Type: Trade Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 6/22/2000 Publication Date: 9/1/2000 Citation: Hartung, J.S. Exotic citrus pathogens. Sunkist World. Interpretive Summary: Many diseases which do not now occur in the United States never the less threaten the U.S. citrus industry. The article provides an overview of research conducted by the United States Department of Agriculture at Beltsville, Maryland on diseases of citrus that occur outside the United States. The work is carried out under special quarantine arrangements with APHIS and the state of Maryland. Research on the bacterial diseases citrus canker, citrus variegated chlorosis, and citrus greening, as well as the viral diseases citrus tristeza, citrus yellow mosaic and citrus chlorotic dwarf virus are highlighted. This research is the best way to prevent the introduction of these diseases into the United States, reduce production and environmental costs, and maintain access to foreign markets for U.S. citrus. Technical Abstract: Research to prevent the introduction of exotic pathogens of citrus into the United States is essential to maintain export markets for citrus, and reduce production and environmental costs. "Exotic" pathogens either do not now occur or are not widely disseminated in the United States. We describe research that has led to the development of sensitive and specific diagnostic techniques for three bacterial pathogens of great concern to the industry: citrus canker, citrus greening and citrus variegated chlorosis disease. Research on how these bacteria can be spread and how they move inside diseased plants is discussed. There are three viruses which are also of concern: citrus tristeza, citrus yellow mosaic, and citrus chlorotic dwarf. Research on these viruses to develop sensitive and specific detection and identification methods, and to characterize strain diversity is also described. |