Citrus black spot | |
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Causal agents | Phyllosticta citricarpa [1] |
Hosts | Citrus |
EPPO Code | GUIGCI |
Citrus black spot is a fungal disease caused by Phyllosticta citricarpa (previously known as Guignardia citricarpa). This Ascomycete fungus affects citrus plants throughout subtropical climates, causing a reduction in both fruit quantity and quality.[ citation needed ]
Symptoms include both fruit and leaf lesions, the latter being critical to inter-tree dispersal. Strict regulation and management is necessary to control this disease since there are currently not many citrus varieties that are resistant.[ citation needed ]
Citrus black spot | |
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Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Fungi |
Division: | Ascomycota |
Class: | Dothideomycetes |
Order: | Botryosphaeriales |
Family: | Botryosphaeriaceae |
Genus: | Phyllosticta |
Species: | P. citricarpa |
Binomial name | |
Phyllosticta citricarpa Kiely, (1948) | |
Synonyms | |
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Phyllosticta citricarpa is a plant pathogen, some strains of which cause a leaf condition called black spot on citrus plants. [2] As a result, such strains are subject to phytosanitary legislation in the European Union and the United States. [3]
Metabolite secreted by P. citricarpa have an inhibitory growth effect on some endophytic bacterial species, and stimulatory growth effect on others. [4]
An isolate of P. citricarpa was found to produce the medically important compound, taxol under certain growth conditions. [5]
Citrus Black Spot was first found in Sydney, Australia, in 1895 [6] [7] and then appeared in South Africa along the coast of Natal in 1929. It can be found in many countries around the world. These countries include: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, China, Ghana, Mozambique, Philippines, South Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, Taiwan, The United States and Uruguay. Whether or not Citrus Black Spot is present in Japan and New Zealand is controversial. In both countries the fungus was thought to have been found, but after further testing it was identified as the non-pathogenic strain, Phyllosticta capitalensis, rather than the pathogenic strain Phyllosticta citricarpa which causes Citrus Black Spot. [8] The disease was first reported in North America during March 2010, in Collier and Hendry counties of southern Florida. The range of the disease in North America has remained limited to Southern Florida at present. Florida has taken measures to try to control this disease, however, it is expected to rapidly spread to other areas over the next few years. [9]
Phyllosticta citricarpa infects mostly citrus plants. However, this fungus is also seen to infect other plants such as golden apple, mango and guava as well. [10] There are some plants that are more susceptible to the pathogen than others. Lemon and late maturing citrus, such as Valencia orange, are the most susceptible hosts.[ citation needed ]
Moderately susceptible hosts are Hamlin sweet oranges, tangerine/ mandarin type fruit, and grapefruit.[ citation needed ]
Though there are some hosts that are more susceptible to Citrus Black Spot than others, any citrus plant that is nutritionally stressed increases its chances of infection. [11]
Symptoms of Citrus black spot vary widely and have different names to best describe the symptoms. [12]
Hard spots are the most common lesions. They are small, round, and sunken. The average diameter of hard spot lesions ranges from 3–10 mm (.12-.4 in). [13] [14] They have dark red to chocolate brown margins and often have pycnidia in the gray-colored centers. [15] A green halo may be present around the lesion. [16]
False melanose symptoms can appear on unripe fruit early in the season. They are characterized by many small, tan to chocolate brown, slightly raised lesions. [12] The lesions are much smaller than the hard spot variety with an average diameter of less than 1 mm (.04 in). [13] [14] They are difficult to observe later in the season. Unlike hard spot lesions, no pycnidia (asexual fruiting bodies) are present. [15]
These lesions occur on both unripe and ripe fruit. They are large, slightly raised, dark brown spots. Cracked spot lesions do not contain pycnidia. They create raised cracks on the fruit surface that can be difficult to see later in the season. [15] Studies have suggested a possible interaction between cracked spot lesions and rust mite colonization. [17]
Freckle spot lesions are the early form of virulent spot lesions. They are small, reddish, irregularly shaped, and contain many pycnidia. [14] These lesions are most noticeable during the end of the season, as they are found on mature fruit and during post-harvest storage.[ citation needed ]
The mature stage of freckle spot lesions, they are found on mature fruit and during post-harvest storage. They are similar in appearance to the freckle spot lesions, but under high humidity can cover the entire fruit. Because of this direct damage to the fruit, this type of lesion can be economically devastating. [14]
Leaf symptoms are generally observed on highly susceptible citrus varieties, such as lemons, as well in poorly-managed orchards. The symptoms generally develop from latent infections after the leaves have died. Red-brown, pin-point dots may develop into larger, circular necrotic lesions with gray centers and red or brown margins. [18] [19]
To confirm a diagnosis of Citrus Black Spot, the pathogenic fungus must be isolated in culture. This can be difficult, as culturing of the fruit lesions takes up to 14 days with an efficacy of less than 10%. Diagnosis is also complicated by the morphological similarities of the fungal structures to the non-pathogenic strain Phyllosticta capitalensis (formerly referred to as Guignarida mangiferae). [20] The two species can be distinguished by molecular testing using PCR. [21]
After overwintering in leaf debris, ascostroma begin producing ascospores. Ascospore formation is accelerated by sequential wetting and drying of the leaf litter. [22] [23] However, very wet conditions inhibit ascospore development due to leaf decomposition and competition from saprophytes. [24] [25] The ascospores are ejected from the fruiting bodies of the fungus during rainfall or irrigation and then dispersed by wind and water. [26] Upon landing on susceptible tissue, the ascospores germinate and form appresoria after a 24-48 hour wetting period. [27] (Different tissues are susceptible to infection at different times. Leaves are susceptible up to 10 months of age. [28] Fruits are susceptible during the 4–5 months after fruitset, [13] [26] though trees less than ten years old are only susceptible up to 3 months . [29] ) Soon after, the infection peg along with mycelia colonize the area between the cuticle and epidermal wall. The symptoms are not visible right away because the infection remains latent, or dormant, until the fruit is mature. [13] [14]
The infection in leaves usually remains latent until the leaves drop, but leaf spots may be found on older leaves. [22] [30] The leaf lesions usually produce ascospores, but sometimes produce pycnidia. [13] [26] [31] These pycnidia release pycnidiospores (conidia) in a gelatinous mass. [32] Under wet conditions, the gelatinous mass dissolves and the spores are dispersed by splashes of water. [33] This splash-dispersal method limits reinfection to nearby fruit or leaves of the same tree. [13] [23] Fruit infections remain latent until fruit maturity. Upon maturing, the mycelium grows into the outer rind, also known as a flavedo. Here in the flavedo, circular lesions form, which are sometimes accompanied by pycnidia. It is important to note that while ascospores can infect fruit, they have not yet been observed developing on fruit. [22] [23] [26]
There is no resistance to Citrus Black Spot and once a tree has been infected there is no known cure causing tree removal to be the best option. Both federal and state governments[ where? ] have recommended the following preventative measures. To control Guignardia citriparpa fungicides like copper and/or strobilurins should be applied monthly from early May to the middle of September (in the northern hemisphere). Applications of the fungicides are recommended in early April (northern hemisphere) if that month has experienced more rainfall than usual resulting in the ideal conditions for citrus black spot to form.[ citation needed ]
Table 1. Recommended Chemical Controls for Citrus Black Spot [34]
Pesticide | FRAC MOA2 | Mature Trees Rate/Acre1 |
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copper fungicide | M1 | use label rate |
Abound 2.08F3 | 11 | 12.4-15.4 fl oz. Do not apply more than 92.3 fl oz/acre/season for all uses. Best applied with petroleum oil. |
Gem 25WG3 | 11 | 4.0-8.0 oz. Do not apply more than 32 oz/acre/season for all uses. |
Gem 500 SC3 | 11 | 1.9-3.8 fl oz. Do not apply more than 15.2 fl oz/acre/season for all uses. Best applied with petroleum oil. |
Headline3 | 11 | 9-12 fl oz. Do not apply more than 54 fl oz/acre/season for all uses. Best applied with petroleum oil. |
1)Lower rates can be used on smaller trees. Do not use less than minimum label rate.
2)Mode of action class for citrus pesticides from the Fungicide Resistance Action Committee (FRAC) 20111. Refer to ENY-624, "Pesticide Resistance and Resistance Management," in the 2012 Florida Citrus Pest Management Guide for more details.
3)Do not use more than 4 applications of strobilurin fungicides/season. Do not make more than 2 sequential applications of strobilurin fungicides. [35]
Another method of control is to accelerate the leaf litter decomposition under the trees in citrus groves. Accelerating this decomposition reduces the chance for ascospore inoculation which generally takes place in the middle of March. There are three possible methods to hasten this decomposition. One method is to increase the microsprinkler irrigation in the grove to half an hour for at least five days of the week. This form of control should continue for about a month and a half. The second method is to apply urea or ammonium to the leaf litter. The last and final method to accelerate leaf decomposition is to apply lime or calcium carbonate to the litter. Urea, lime, and calcium carbonate reduce the number of fungal structures and spore production. [36] Since the fungus requires wet conditions to thrive, air flow in the citrus grove should be maximized to reduce leaf wetness. [19]
Along with these methods it is also important to get rid of debris such as fallen fruit or twigs in a manner that reduces the chances of infecting other plants. Citrus Black Spot can colonize and reproduce on dead twigs. To dispose of citrus debris it should either be heated to a minimum of 180 °F for two hours, incinerated, buried in a landfill, or fed to livestock. Plant trash should be moved with caution if at all to avoid spreading the infectious ascospores. Any trees that are infected with citrus black spot should be removed from the grove and disposed of. These trees must be removed because those that are declining and stressed will often have off season bloom. If there is more than one age of fruit present on the tree, it is possible for the asexual spores on the older fruits to be transferred to young fruits, thereby intensifying the disease. This off season blooming is often more problematic with Valencia oranges when old and new crops overlap; therefore fruits should be harvested before blooming commences.[ citation needed ]
Citrus Black Spot has a large economic impact on many countries because the black blemishes make it undesirable for human consumption and therefore the infected fruit cannot be sold. This type of economic impact is felt most in Australia and South Africa where the disease has been present for a number of years. [37] In Australia, South Africa, and China citrus is of particular importance due to the large role it plays in international trade. A few black spots on as little as one piece of fruit can cause the entire shipment to be rejected. When this happens the shipment usually has to be repackaged and resold to a less sensitive market which leads to large financial losses. [8] Along with making fruit unsuitable for sale Citrus Black Spot also causes early fruit drop and reduces crop yield. [11] The reduction in fruit value due to Citrus Black Spot is estimated at 20-30%. [38]
At the end of 2013, the European Commission announced a ban on most imports of citrus fruit from South Africa because of concerns about the possible transmission of Citrus Black Spot to the EU. This ban was justified by a study by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) on the risk of transmission. However, a specially convened panel of eminent scientists from Brazil, Argentina, the USA, Uruguay, Australia and South Africa concluded that there is no risk of transmission through fruit to European climates. It argued that Citrus Black Spot has never spread to new areas with fruit as the cause and citrus fruit has never been shown to be the cause of the spread of the disease. The panel pointed out that it is known to occur only in summer rainfall citrus production areas and that the only way it has been spread to new areas has been through infected propagation material moved to areas where the climate is suitable for its establishment. [39]
Citrus canker is a disease affecting Citrus species caused by the bacterium Xanthomonas. Infection causes lesions on the leaves, stems, and fruit of citrus trees, including lime, 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. Citrus canker is mainly a leaf-spotting and rind-blemishing disease, but when conditions are highly favorable, it can cause defoliation, shoot dieback, and fruit drop.
Grape black rot is a fungal disease caused by an ascomycetous fungus, Guignardia bidwellii, that attacks grape vines during hot and humid weather. “Grape black rot originated in eastern North America, but now occurs in portions of Europe, South America, and Asia. It can cause complete crop loss in warm, humid climates, but is virtually unknown in regions with arid summers.” The name comes from the black fringe that borders growing brown patches on the leaves. The disease also attacks other parts of the plant, “all green parts of the vine: the shoots, leaf and fruit stems, tendrils, and fruit. The most damaging effect is to the fruit”.
Diplocarpon rosae is a fungus that creates the rose black spot disease. Because it was observed by people of various countries around the same time, the nomenclature for the fungus varied with about 25 different names. The asexual stage is now known to be Marssonina rosae, while the sexual and most common stage is known as Diplocarpon rosae.
Venturia inaequalis is an ascomycete fungus that causes the apple scab disease.
Phomopsis cane and leaf spot occurs wherever grapes are grown. Phomopsis cane and leaf spot is more severe in grape-growing regions characterized by a humid temperate climate through the growing season. Crop losses up to 30% have been reported to be caused by Phomopsis cane and leaf spot.
Damping off is a horticultural disease or condition, caused by several different pathogens that kill or weaken seeds or seedlings before or after they germinate. It is most prevalent in wet and cool conditions.
Botryosphaeria obtusa is a plant pathogen that causes frogeye leaf spot, black rot and cankers on many plant species. On the leaf it is referred to as frogeye leaf spot; this phase typically affects tree and shrubs. In fruit such as the apple, cranberry and quince, it is referred to as black rot, and in twigs and trunks it causes cankers.
Leptosphaeria sacchari is a plant pathogenic fungus which causes a disease called ring spot on Saccharum officinarum. This species was originally described in 1890 by Kruger and in 1892 by Van Breda de Haan after it was discovered in the Dominican Republic. L. sacchari is the applied name, whereas Epicoccum sorghinum is the accepted name.
Phyllosticta capitalensis is a cosmopolitan fungal plant pathogen that grows on many hosts either as an endophyte or as a saprobe on dead tissue, including species of Citrus and Musa (bananas). There are some reports of it infecting orchids, such as cattleyas or Cymbidium.
Ascochyta is a genus of ascomycete fungi, containing several species that are pathogenic to plants, particularly cereal crops. The taxonomy of this genus is still incomplete. The genus was first described in 1830 by Marie-Anne Libert, who regarded the spores as minute asci and the cell contents as spherical spores. Numerous revisions to the members of the genus and its description were made for the next several years. Species that are plant pathogenic on cereals include, A. hordei, A. graminea, A. sorghi, A. tritici. Symptoms are usually elliptical spots that are initially chlorotic and later become a necrotic brown. Management includes fungicide applications and sanitation of diseased plant tissue debris.
Didymella bryoniae, syn. Mycosphaerella melonis, is an ascomycete fungal plant pathogen that causes gummy stem blight on the family Cucurbitaceae, which includes cantaloupe, cucumber, muskmelon and watermelon plants. The anamorph/asexual stage for this fungus is called Phoma cucurbitacearum. When this pathogen infects the fruit of cucurbits it is called black rot.
Phyllosticta sojaecola is a plant pathogen infecting soybean.
Septoria malagutii is a fungal plant pathogen infecting potatoes. The casual fungal pathogen is a deuteromycete and therefore has no true sexual stage. As a result, Septoria produces pycnidia, an asexual flask shaped fruiting body, on the leaves of potato and other tuber-bearing spp. causing small black to brown necrotic lesions ranging in size from 1-5mm. The necrotic lesions can fuse together forming large necrotic areas susceptible to leaf drop, early senescence, dieback, and dwarfing. Septoria malagutii has been found only in the Andean countries of Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela at altitudes of near 3000 meters. Consequently, the fungi grows and disperses best under relatively low temperatures with high humidities, with optimal growth occurring at 20 °C (68 °F). The disease has caused devastation on potato yields in South America and in areas where this disease is common, potato yields have been seen to drop by 60%.
Texas Phoenix palm decline, or lethal bronzing, is a plant disease caused by a phytoplasma, Candidatus Phytoplasma palmae. It takes its name from the state it was first identified in and the palm genus, Phoenix, upon which it was first identified. It is currently found in parts of Florida and Texas.
Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) is one of six operational program units within the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The PPQ works to safeguard agriculture and natural resources in the U.S. against the entry, establishment, and spread of animal and plant pests, and noxious weeds in order to help ensure the protection of native flora and an abundant, high-quality, and varied food supply.
Raspberry spur blight is caused by the fungus Didymella applanata. This plant pathogen is more problematic on red raspberries (Rubus idaeus) than on black or purple raspberries. The fungus infects the leaves first and then spreads to the cane. It causes necrotic spots on the cane near the base of the petiole attachment. Raspberry spur blight can cause a significant reduction in yield, fruit blight, premature leaf drop, and weak bud and cane growth. The magnitude of damage is not clearly understood in the United States, however, studies from Scotland suggest damage to the cane itself is limited. The disease has minor economic impacts by reducing leaves in the summer or killing buds. Major economic damage occurs if the disease manages to kill the entire cane. In the United States, this disease is found in Oregon and Washington.
Common spot of strawberry is one of the most common and widespread diseases afflicting the strawberry. Common spot of strawberry is caused by the fungus Mycosphaerella fragariae. Symptoms of this disease first appear as circular, dark purple spots on the leaf surface. Mycosphaerella fragariae is very host-specific and only infects strawberry.
Cherry leaf spot is a fungal disease which infects cherries and plums. Sweet, sour, and ornamental cherries are susceptible to the disease, being most prevalent in sour cherries. The variety of sour cherries that is the most susceptible are the English morello cherries. This is considered a serious disease in the Midwest, New England states, and Canada. It has also been estimated to infect 80 percent of orchards in the Eastern states. It must be controlled yearly to avoid a significant loss of the crop. If not controlled properly, the disease can dramatically reduce yields by nearly 100 percent. The disease is also known as yellow leaf or shothole disease to cherry growers due to the characteristic yellowing leaves and shot holes present in the leaves upon severe infection.
Gummy stem blight is a cucurbit-rot disease caused by the fungal plant pathogen Didymella bryoniae. Gummy stem blight can affect a host at any stage of growth in its development and affects all parts of the host including leaves, stems and fruits. Symptoms generally consist of circular dark tan lesions that blight the leaf, water soaked leaves, stem cankers, and gummy brown ooze that exudes from cankers, giving it the name gummy stem blight. Gummy stem blight reduces yields of edible cucurbits by devastating the vines and leaves and rotting the fruits. There are various methods to control gummy stem blight, including use of treated seed, crop rotation, using preventative fungicides, eradication of diseased material, and deep plowing previous debris.
Banana freckle is a disease caused by the fungus Guignardia musae (teleomorph) or Phyllosticta musarum (anamorph). Generally, the causal agent of disease is referred to as Guignardia-Phyllosticta sp. There are several different strains of the fungus that exist to infect different banana varieties around the globe. Symptoms include yellowing of the tissue and formation of small dark brown spots on the leaves and fruit. Within the spots, conidia or pycnidia can be found. Banana freckle is easily propagated and spread from plant to plant by rain splash and movement of infected tissue or fruit. Management of the disease consists of cutting out infected leaves, using the paper bag method, fungicide application, and proper sanitation techniques it can be stopped by applying vegeta to it. This devastating disease is extremely relevant for the major banana exporting countries of the world. In the absence of chemical control, there is about a 78% yield loss. Banana freckle disease needs to be carefully monitored in order to prevent further spread of the disease.
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