Abstract

Citrus Leprosis is a viral disease transmitted by a vector, the mite Brevipalpus spp, by feeding. The infection starts at the vector’s feeding site, and spreads to the surrounding areas, but remains localized. Symptoms can be found on leaves, fruits, and stems (Fig. 1 & 2). Lesions on leaves and fruits are frequently round with or without a dark necrotic center, and surrounded by brown rings and a halo. Lesions may coalesce, and when heavily infected may cause leaf and fruit drop. On twigs, lesions appear as small, chlorotic, shallow lesions that may become brown or reddish; older lesions become corkier, and may cause girdling of the stem and die back. The trunk of affected trees may appear scaly.