First report of Citrus leprosis virus in Honduras
During a survey done in 2003 in Honduras, symptoms of citrus leprosis were observed in the municipality of Siguatepeque, near La Esperanza (department of Comayagua). Affected trees showed severe symptoms, suggesting that the disease had arrived in the area several years before. Symptoms were also detected at a second site in the department of Comayagua (45 km east of La Esperanza). At both sites, symptoms were observed on sweet orange (Citrus sinensis cvs ‘Valencia’ and ‘Navel’) growing in backyards. The disease was also detected twice at a third site, Lago de Yojoa, but each time all symptomatic plants were destroyed. Further inspections were conducted on 206 sites in the major citrus-growing regions (El Progresso, La Ceiba), but no symptom could be found. Laboratory studies (electron microscopy, mitochondrial DNA analysis) confirmed the presence of Citrus leprosis virus. In addition, mites found in association with diseased orange trees were identified as Brevipalpus phoenicis (a vector of the virus). This is the first report of Citrus leprosis virus in Honduras.
The situation of Citrus leprosis virus in Honduras can be described as follows: Present, first reported in 2003 in backyard orange trees at 2 sites (department of Comayagua).
Sources
Rodrigues JCV, Zuniga Reyes JA, Achor DS, Childers CC, Kitajima EW (2006) Occurrence and distribution of citrus leprosis virus in Honduras.
New Disease Reports, Volume 13: February 2006 - July 2006