Citric Canker: Symptoms, Prevention and Control

Citrus canker , also known as citrus bacterial canker or Asian citrus canker , is a devastating bacterial disease caused by Xanthomonas citri pv. citri . It primarily affects citrus trees of the genus Citrus and can cause significant losses in citrus production. At Agrumiverse , your supplier of certified citrus plants , we offer solutions to prevent and limit the spread of this dangerous disease.

Symptoms of Citric Canker

Citrus canker manifests itself through specific symptoms affecting the leaves, fruits and twigs of citrus trees:

On the leaves:

• Oily spots: Small, slightly raised spots appear on the underside of the leaves, developing into rough, cracked, tan-beige pustules on both sides.
• Yellow halo: Each lesion is surrounded by a characteristic yellow halo, a distinctive sign of the disease.

On fruits:

• Crateroid lesions: Infected fruits have raised lesions with a craterioid appearance, often accompanied by a yellow halo. These lesions affect the quality of the fruits, compromising their saleability.

On the branches:

• Stem lesions: Symptoms similar to those on the leaves may appear on young twigs, weakening the tree's growth.

Severe infections cause 30 to 50% of fruit to drop prematurely, seriously impacting the harvest and orchard productivity.

Citrus Species Affected by Citrus Canker

Citrus canker can affect several citrus species, some being more susceptible than others:

Very sensitive species:

• Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi)

Sensitive to moderately sensitive species:

Available sources do not specify other species susceptible to this disease, but careful monitoring of all species of the genus Citrus is recommended.

Prophylaxis against Citric Canker

Prevention is the best strategy to limit the appearance and spread of citrus canker. Here are some recommendations to protect your orchards:

• Plant resistant varieties: When possible, choose citrus varieties that are resistant or tolerant to citrus canker.
• Use certified plants: Make sure your plants come from certified disease-free nurseries, such as those provided by Agrumiverse .
• Installing windbreak hedges: Install hedges to protect orchards from winds that can spread the bacteria.
• Avoid sprinkler irrigation: Use drip irrigation instead to reduce moisture on the leaves and limit the spread of the bacteria.

Means of Controlling Citric Canker

There is no specific curative treatment for citrus canker. However, effective management relies on rigorous prevention and early detection:

Early detection:

• Monitoring: Inspect your orchards regularly to quickly detect the first signs of infection, particularly oily spots and pustules on leaves and fruit.

Removal of infected trees:

• Removal of infected trees: When a tree is severely affected, it is often necessary to remove it from the orchard to prevent the disease from spreading to neighboring trees.

Threat Significance

Citrus canker is a serious disease that can cause significant economic losses in citrus orchards. The bacterium Xanthomonas citri is highly contagious and can spread rapidly, especially in orchards exposed to wind and excessive humidity. Therefore, it is crucial to implement preventative measures to protect trees and maintain profitable production.

FAQ

What are the main symptoms of citrus canker?

Symptoms include slightly raised, oily spots on leaves, rough pustules surrounded by a yellow halo, and raised, crater-like lesions on fruit.

Which citrus species are most susceptible to citrus canker?

Grapefruits are particularly susceptible to this disease, but all citrus species should be monitored for early signs of infection.

How to prevent citrus canker in a citrus orchard?

Prevention is based on the use of certified healthy plants , the planting of resistant varieties, and the installation of windbreak hedges to limit the spread of the bacteria.

Is there a cure for citrus canker?

There is no specific cure. Prevention and early detection are the most effective strategies for managing this disease.

How does citrus canker spread?

Citrus canker spreads primarily through wind and rain, as well as through improper cultural practices, such as overhead irrigation, which promote the spread of bacteria on leaves.

How can Agrumiverse help prevent citrus canker?

Agrumiverse , as a supplier for professional citrus growers , offers certified, healthy and disease-resistant citrus plants , as well as personalized technical advice to ensure the health of your orchards.