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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Parlier, California » San Joaquin Valley Agricultural Sciences Center » Crop Diseases, Pests and Genetics Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #422010
Research Project: Identifying Vulnerabilities in Vector-host-pathogen Interactions of Grapevine and Citrus Pathosystems to Advance Sustainable Management Strategies

Location: Crop Diseases, Pests and Genetics Research

Title: Transmission of Citrus yellow vein clearing virus in California

Author
item Yokomi, Raymond
item Helm-Rodriguez, Sydney
item Sun, Yongduo

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/23/2025
Publication Date: 3/16/2025
Citation: Yokomi, R.K., Helm-Rodriguez, S.D., Sun, Y. 2025. Transmission of Citrus yellow vein clearing virus in California. Meeting Abstract. Presented at the International Organization of Citrus Virologist XX111 Conference in Mildura, Victoria, Australia from March 16-20, 2025.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Citrus yellow vein clearing virus (CYVCV) was detected in citrus and citrus relatives in urban landscapes in the cities of Tulare in central California in 2022 and Hacienda Heights in southern California in late 2023. These infections mark the first time the virus has been detected in the Western Hemisphere. CYVCV is reported to be transmitted mechanically and by aphid and whitefly vectors to citrus and non-citrus hosts. To determine the threat and spread potential of CYVCV to the citrus industry of California, we conducted greenhouse and growth chamber experiments on the transmission and host range of CYVCV. Using a whole genome sequenced isolate of CYVCV, the virus was graft inoculated to 22 different commercial propagations of citrus and citrus relatives representing orange, mandarin, tangelo, grapefruit, pummelo, lemon, lime, and kumquat cultivars. All inoculated cultivars became infected with CYVCV and maintained high virus titer. Strong symptoms were observed in Sour Orange and lemon cultivars. Mild symptoms of vein clearing, and slight leaf distortion were observed in new flush growth of sweet orange and mandarin cultivars but appeared to be somewhat ephemeral disappearing with warm greenhouse temperatures. Growth measurements of the trees one-year post inoculation indicate little effect on tree size. Mechanical transmission of purified CYVCV virions was achieved on inoculated leaves of mallow, Chenopodium, peas, Alyssum, mustard greens, and peppers. Spirea aphid and cotton aphid transmitted purified CYVCV virions from feeding sachets to mallow and mustard greens but not to citrus. No vector transmission has been achieved from citrus to citrus. Although these experiments are continuing, the data collected to date are providing critical insight on the spread and economic impact of CYVCV.