First report of citrus tristeza closterovirus in Bermuda
In March 1992, a survey has been carried out in Bermuda for citrus tristeza closterovirus (EPPO A2 quarantine pest) using ELISA tests. Samples collected from 113 sites representing 520 trees have been tested, and CTV has been detected at 23 sites. When each tree present at these 23 infected sites (231 trees in total) was tested, 90 % were positive for CTV by DAS-ELISA (detecting all CTV strains) and 30 % tested positive (by DASI-ELISA) for decline-inducing CTV strains. Additional surveys were carried out on trees used for production of budwood. Approximately 250 trees have been tested, and 12 % were positive for CTV and 5 % for decline-inducing CTV strains (mainly lemon trees). The authors stressed that this is the first record of citrus tristeza closterovirus in Bermuda. Toxoptera citricidus (EPPO A1 quarantine pest), vector of CTV, has not been found. This information complete the report made in RS 95/021.
Sources
Thompson, T.L.; Monkman, K.D.; Lee, R.F.; Berger, N.L. (1994) First report of citrus tristeza closterovirus in Bermuda.
Phytopathology, 84 (8), p 871.
Abstract of a paper presented at the APS Caribbean Division Meeting, September 20-24, 1992, Merida, Venezuela