First report of Citrus leprosis virus in Bolivia
In Bolivia, in the province of Santa Cruz de la Sierra, citrus is currently an expanding crop grown for local consumption. Approximately 15,000 ha are planted with citrus, mainly sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) and mandarins (C. reticulata). Recently, symptoms resembling those of leprosis were observed (round to elliptic lesions on the leaves, chlorotic to necrotic lesions in young twigs and depressed small lesions on the fruits). Symptoms were also associated with the presence of Brevipalpus phoenicis (mite vector of the disease). Analysis (electron microscopy, PCR assays) confirmed the presence of Citrus leprosis virus (EU Annexes). This is the first report of Citrus leprosis virus in Bolivia.
The situation of Citrus leprosis virus in Bolivia can be described as follows: Present, first reported in 2005 in the province of Santa Cruz de la Sierra.
Sources
Gómez EC, Vargas MR, Rivadameira C, Locali EC, Freitas-Astua J, Astua-Monge G, Rodrigues JVC, Mesa Cobo NC, Kitajima EW (2005) First report of Citrus leprosis virus on citrus in Santa Cruz, in Bolivia.
Plant Disease, 89(6), p 686.