TITLE:
Prevalence of Mild T30, T3, and Severe VT Strains of Citrus tristeza Virus in Central-Northern Veracruz, Mexico
AUTHORS:
Rosalba Contreras-Maya, Angel Villegas-Monter, Amalio Santacruz-Varela, Nicacio Cruz-Huerta, Laura D. Ortega-Arenas, Daniel L. Ochoa-Martinez
KEYWORDS:
Citrus, Incidence, Strains, Quick Decline, Severity
JOURNAL NAME:
American Journal of Plant Sciences,
Vol.13 No.4,
April
26,
2022
ABSTRACT: The presence and distribution of Citrus tristeza virus (CTV) strains
on plants of four citrus species required analysis of plants showing small
fruits, yellowing, and twig dieback. Typical citrus tristeza symptoms showed in citrus plantations in Veracruz,
Mexico, and caused gradual deterioration, low yield, and death of the plants.
Seven citrus-growing municipalities in Central and Northern Veracruz presented
the severe VT strain: the incidence in seven of the eight sampled
municipalities ranged from 7% in Alamo to 50% in Tihuatlan. As for the T30
strain, its presence and distribution ranged from 17% in Tihuatlan to 83% in
Cuitlahuac. Values for the T3 strain went from 20% in Castillo de Teayo to 50%
in Papantla. In Tihuatlan, two samples were positive for the T36 strain. Only Citrus sinensis has historical recording
infections by severe strains of CTV, unlike other important citrus species. The
incidence of orchards quickly declining increases rapidly in Veracruz, the
largest citrus producer in Mexico. It becomes critical as the predominant and
sensitive rootstock is sour orange (Citrus
aurantium). It is important to note that the specific primers used could
not be identified in 29% of the samples, suggesting that they could be other
than T30, T3, VT, and T36 strains.