First report of lime witches' broom phytoplasma in India
Acid lime (Citrus aurantifolia) is one of the most important citrus crops in India (20% of total citrus production). In 1995, unusual symptoms of witches' broom, leaf fall and branch dieback were observed on a 6-year old C. aurantifolia in eastern Maharashtra. Surveys carried out from 1995 to 1998 revealed that disease incidence reached 5 % in Maharashtra and other major lime-growing states: Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Phytoplasmas were constantly observed in diseased plants. This is the first report of lime witches' broom phytoplasma (EU Annexes) in India.
Sources
Ghosh, D.K.; Das, A.K.; Singh, S.; Singh, S.J.; Ahlawat, Y.S.; (1999) Occurrence of witches' broom, a new phytoplasma disease of acid lime (Citrus aurantifolia) in India.
Plant Disease, 83(3), p 302.