New Perspectives on the Epidemiology of Citrus Stubborn Disease in California Orchards

Abstract

Although citrus stubborn disease (CSD), caused by the phloem resident mollicute Spiroplasma citri, is a significant threat to California citrus industry, our knowledge of its epidemiology is mostly anecdotal. We optimized multiple pathogen-detection protocols, measured disease incidence in two plots of commercial California groves, assessed pathogen impact on fruit quality and yield, and evaluated genetic diversity among S. citri isolates. Fruit columellas and receptacles were more suitable than leaves or bark for bacterial cultivation. Using cultivation and S. citri-specific PCR for detection, the incidence of CSD in two orchards, respectively, ranged from 46 to 85% and 1 to 4%, depending on the sampling technique. Yield and quality of fruits produced by trees that were mildly or severely CSD-symptomatic were compared to those of S. citri-free trees in one California orchard in 2006 and 2007. These infected trees had reduced fruit quality and up to 32% lower yield relative to S. citri-free trees. Using RAPD markers to compare 35 S. citri isolates collected 20 years ago from the United States and Mediterranean region with 34 isolates recently collected from California, significant genetic diversity was identified but was not correlated with the time or location of collection. Our findings suggest that CSD incidence in the commercial groves evaluated could be as high as 85% and its impact on yield and fruit quality are significant. Accepted for publication 1 March 2010. Published 26 May 2010.