Citrus Canker
Courtesy of Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
Citrus canker is a disease affecting citrus species that is caused by the bacterium Xanthomonas axonopodis. Infection causes lesions on the leaves, stems, and fruit of citrus trees, including limes, oranges, and grapefruit. While not harmful to humans, canker significantly affects the vitality of citrus trees, causing leaves and fruit to drop prematurely; a fruit infected with canker is safe to eat but too unsightly to be sold.
The disease, which is believed to have originated in South East Asia, is extremely persistent when it becomes established in an area, making it necessary for all citrus orchards to be destroyed for successful eradication of the disease. Australia, Brazil and the United States are currently suffering from canker outbreaks.
Resources
Citrus Canker Information Packets
Florida Citrus Mutual
Citrus Canker Symptoms Handout
(Florida Citrus Mutual website)
FDACS/DPI handout of citrus canker symptoms (color photos), including disease symptoms similar to citrus canker
FDACS/DPI pdf file: Identification Flowchart For Common Foliar Diseases of Citrus and Grove Self-Inspection Survey Reporting Form ( click here )
(Florida Citrus Mutual website)
