Diagnostic protocol for Asiatic citrus canker (Xanthomonas citri subsp. Citri)

Published: Wed, 27 Mar 2013, 11:38
Last updated: Mon, 11 May 2015, 16:34
Asiatic citrus canker is a bacterial disease affecting most citrus varieties, with grapefruit the most susceptible. The disease causes scab or crater-like lesions on the rind of the fruit, which reduce saleability. The causal agent is the bacterium Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri, (reclassified from "A" pathotype Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri, Schaad et al 2006). Canker has the capacity to devastate citrus industries because eradication is the only feasible method of disease control, but this is not always successful. Small outbreaks of canker have occurred in Australia several times in the past and rapid quarantine response and destruction of host material has to date ensured successful eradication. For example, in 1991 citrus canker was detected in an orchard in the Darwin area and despite the trees being destroyed, the disease was then found in a neighbouring orchard in 1993. Eradication was again carried out and after two years of intensive monitoring in the area, citrus canker was declared to be eradicated from the Northern Territory (OCPPO, 2003). More recently, citrus canker was detected in commercial orchards in Emerald, Queensland, in 2004. An intensive program of tree removal and monitoring was launched and the disease was declared eradicated in January, 2009 (http://www.daff.gov.au/animal-plant-health/pests-diseases-weeds/plant/eradication).
Resource provide by:

• NPPO of Australia

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Author/Editor name and address: DPI NSW Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute Woodbridge Rd, Menangle NSW 2568 PMB 8, Camden NSW 2570
Type of contact: NPPO
Tags:

• Diagnostic protocol

Submitted by: NPPO of Australia