Xanthomonas citri subsp citri (Citrus canker) in Northern Territory

Publication Date

Thu, 19 Apr 2018, 07:28

Last Updated

June 26, 2023, 12:58 a.m.

Report Number

AUS-89/3

Country

Australia

Pest Id

Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri - (XANTCI)

Report Status

Preliminary

Hosts

Wide host range, primarily Citrus spp., Fortunella spp. and Poncirus spp. Examples include: Citrus aurantiifolia (lime; Mexican lime), Citrus aurantium (sour orange), Citrus hystrix (kaffir lime; mauritius bitter orange), Citrus latifolia (tahitian lime), Citrus limetta (sweet lemon tree), Citrus limon (lemon), Citrus maxima (pummelo), Citrus reshni (Cleopatra mandarin), Citrus reticulata (mandarin), Citrus sinensis (navel orange), Citrus sunki (sour mandarin), Citrus tankan (tankan mandarin) and Citrus x paradisi (grapefruit).

Pest Status (old values from ISPM 8 -1998 )

• Present: under eradication

Pest Status (ISPM 8 - 2021)

• Present: not widely distributed and under official control

Geographical Distribution

In April 2018, Xanthomonas citri subsp citri (Citrus canker) was detected in two retail nurseries in Darwin, Northern Territory. See AUS-100/1 for final report.

Summary

In April 2018, Citrus canker was detected in two retail nurseries on species of West Indian lime in Darwin, Northern Territory. Tracing activities are underway. The variety of lime is a potted patio plant that is not found in commercial production. This detection is under eradication, and movement restrictions are in place. Citrus canker is absent from other Australian states and territories.

Citrus canker has previously been detected in Australia in the Northern Territory (1912, 1991 and 1993) and Queensland (1984 (Torres Strait) and 2004) with successful eradication of each occurrence.

Danger

Citrus canker is a contagious disease caused by the bacteria Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri which can affect all citrus species and cultivars. The disease presents as lesions or cankers at infection sites and severely impacts fruit quality and yield. Premature fruit drop can occur, along with defoliation, twig dieback and general tree decline. In severe cases, it can lead to tree death.

Contact for info

Australian Chief Plant Protection Officer Australian Government Department of Agriculture GPO Box 858 Canberra ACT 2601 [email protected]

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