Citrus Quick Decline: A Threat to Citrus Trees
What is Citrus Quick Decline?
Citrus quick decline is a deadly disease that affects citrus trees. It is caused by the citrus tristeza virus (CTV), which is spread by the brown citrus aphid. CTV causes the tree to rapidly decline and eventually die.
Symptoms of Citrus Quick Decline
The symptoms of citrus quick decline can vary depending on the strain of CTV. Some common symptoms include:
- Yellowing and wilting of leaves
- Stunted growth
- Dieback of branches
- Gummosis (oozing of sap from the trunk or branches)
- Poor fruit production
- Death of the tree
How to Stop Citrus Quick Decline
There is no cure for citrus quick decline, but there are steps that can be taken to prevent the spread of the disease:
- Use resistant rootstocks: Sour orange rootstock is highly susceptible to CTV. Avoid using this rootstock for new citrus trees.
- Control aphids: Aphids are the main vectors of CTV. Keep aphid populations under control by using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Inarch grafting: If you have valuable citrus trees that are already growing on sour orange rootstock, you can inarch graft them onto different rootstocks before they become infected.
- Remove infected trees: If a tree becomes infected with CTV, it should be removed immediately to prevent the spread of the disease.
Why is Sour Orange Rootstock Susceptible to Citrus Quick Decline?
Sour orange rootstock is highly susceptible to CTV because it contains a gene that makes it more vulnerable to the virus. This gene is not found in other citrus rootstocks, which is why they are more resistant to CTV.
How to Inarch Graft Citrus Trees
Inarch grafting is a technique that can be used to save citrus trees that are growing on sour orange rootstock. The process involves grafting a healthy branch from a resistant rootstock onto the infected tree. This allows the tree to develop a new root system that is resistant to CTV.
Is There a Cure for Citrus Quick Decline?
Unfortunately, there is no cure for citrus quick decline. Once a tree becomes infected, it will eventually die. However, the steps outlined above can help to prevent the spread of the disease and protect healthy citrus trees.
Additional Information
- Citrus quick decline is a serious threat to citrus trees worldwide.
- The disease is caused by the citrus tristeza virus (CTV), which is spread by the brown citrus aphid.
- Symptoms of citrus quick decline include yellowing and wilting of leaves, stunted growth, dieback of branches, gummosis, poor fruit production, and death of the tree.
- There is no cure for citrus quick decline, but there are steps that can be taken to prevent the spread of the disease, such as using resistant rootstocks, controlling aphids, inarch grafting infected trees, and removing infected trees.
- Sour orange rootstock is highly susceptible to CTV because it contains a gene that makes it more vulnerable to the virus.
- Inarch grafting is a technique that can be used to save citrus trees that are growing on sour orange rootstock by grafting a healthy branch from a resistant rootstock onto the infected tree.
