Author
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Lee, Richard |
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Submitted to: Handbook on Cleaning and Diagnosis for the Production of Citrus Certified Planting Material
Publication Type: Book / Chapter Publication Acceptance Date: 7/10/2008 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: The value of citrus certification programs is discussed, and the three essential components of a citrus certification program are explained. The methods of therapy are summarized, and the problems encountered in managing graft transmissible pathogens which have insect vectors or other means of spread, such as mites. Huanglongbing, citrus variegated chlorosis, and citrus leprosis diseases are briefly described and typical symptoms associated with each disease is shown. Technical Abstract: Citrus certification programs designed to ensure that healthy plants of the highest genetic potential are being planted in the field are the basic building block of an integrated pest management program. Certification programs began for citrus began with the discovery that the diseases were graft transmissible and have evolved to control graft transmissible diseases, such as Citrus tristeza virus and citrus variegated chlorosis (CVC), which have vectors as a means of spread in addition to being graft transmissible. The occurrence of CVC and huanglongbing (HLB) with their insect vectors has challenged citrus industries to develop strategies to maintain production despite the presence of these diseases. The key component to maintaining production begins with planting healthy trees into the field, and this is only possible with a fully functional citrus certification program. The key components of a citrus certification program (quarantine program, clean stock program, and certification program) are discussed as well as the challenges presented by diseases having insect vectors which now threaten citrus productivity in the Caribbean Basin, specifically HLB, CVC, and citrus leprosis. |
