First records of Citrus leprosis virus in Costa Rica and Guatemala, and development of a PCR detection method
Leprosis, caused by Citrus leprosis virus (CiLV - EPPO A1 list), is considered as one of the most important citrus diseases in Brazil. So far, three mite species have been demonstrated to transmit the disease, Brevipalpus phoenicis, B. californicus, and B. obovatus (Acari: Tenuipalpidae). In addition to Brazil, the disease occurs in other South American countries and it was recently identified in Central America in Panama, Costa Rica* and Guatemala*. In Brazil, studies were made on the diagnosis of CiLV. A specific RT-PCR method using two pairs of primers was developed and was found accurate, rapid and reliable.
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* New geographical records according to the EPPO Secretariat.
Sources
Locali, E.C.; Freitas-Astua, J.; de Souza, A.A.; Takita, M.A.; Astua-Monge, G.; Antonioli, R.; Kitajima, E.W.; Machado, M.A. (2003) Development of a molecular tool for the diagnosis of leprosis a major threat to citrus production in the Americas.
Plant Disease, 87(11), 1317-1321.