First report of Xylella fastidiosa on Citrus in Costa Rica
Citrus variegated chlorosis caused by Xylella fastidiosa (EPPO A1 list) was first described in Brazil in the state of São Paulo in 1987. It then spread to all citrus-growing states in Brazil, and it is estimated that it affects now more than one third of Brazilian orange trees. In Costa Rica, during the last 4 years, symptoms resembling those of citrus variegated chlorosis were observed in sweet oranges (Citrus sinensis) grown as shade plants in coffee plantations or edges. Affected trees showed leaf interveinal chlorosis, stunting, canopy dieback, hard and undersized fruits. Analysis (DAS-ELISA, electron microscopy) confirmed the presence of X. fastidiosa. It is noted that this is the first report of X. fastidiosa on citrus in Costa Rica. The bacterium had previously been reported on coffee (see EPPO RS 2001/185).
Sources
Aguilar E, Villalobos W, Moreira L, Rodríguez CM, Kitajima EW, Rivera C (2005) First report of Xylella fastidiosa infecting Citrus in Costa Rica.
Plant Disease, 89(6), p 687.