First report of Citrus leprosis virus in Colombia
In Colombia, symptoms of Citrus leprosis virus (EPPO A1 list) were found in citrus orchards. Typical lesions of leprosis were observed on fruits and leaves of sweet orange trees (Citrus sinensis cv. ‘Valencia’) in the departments of Casanare in 2003, and Meta in 2004. It is noted that the departments of Casanare and Meta, which are located at the East plains (Llanos Orientales), contribute to approximately 10% of the Colombian citrus production. Samples were collected from symptomatic trees and tested in the laboratory (electronic microscopy and RT-PCR). Results confirmed the presence of Citrus leprosis virus. Mites collected from affected plants in the department of Meta were identified as Brevipalpus phoenicis, a known vector of the virus. This is the first report of Citrus leprosis virus in Colombia.
The situation of Citrus leprosis in Colombia can be described as follows: Present, first found in 2003/2004 in the departments of Casanare and Meta.
Sources
Leon AM, Realpe CE, Garzon PA, Rodriguez JA, Moreno MG, Childers CC, Achor D, Freitas-Astua J, Antonioli-Luizon R, Salaroli RB, Mesa NC, Kitajima EW (2006) Occurrence of Citrus leprosis virus in Llanos Orientales, Colombia. Plant Disease 90(5), p 682.