Citrus tristeza virus

Ajia M. Paolillo, Peggy Sieburth, K.-R. Chung, Amit Levy, Ozgur Batuman, Peggy Sieburth, Ajia M. Paolillo, K.-R. Chung, andR. H. Brlansky

This document is one in a series designed to provide important information on the causal agent, symptoms, and transmission of exotic citrus diseases. This information can be used as an educational tool to raise awareness about these diseases and for scouting and identification efforts. Disseminating information about the diseases to the citrus industry may prevent their introduction and spread in Florida. This document will focus on the exotic viral disease caused by isolates of citrus tristeza virus–stem pitting (CTV-SP). Major revision by Amit Levy, Ozgur Batuman, Peggy Sieburth, Ajia M. Paolillo, Kuang-Ren Chung, and Ronald H. Brlansky; published by the UF/IFAS Citrus Research and Education Center; 5 pp.

Stephen H. Futch andR. H. Brlansky

Citrus tristeza virus (CTV) is one of the most important pathogens affecting citrus worldwide. Tristeza was first reported in Florida in the 1950s. By the 1980s, it produced serious losses due to tree decline and death on sour orange and Citrus macrophylla rootstocks. Tree decline continues to be a problem today in groves that still have sour orange rootstock trees remaining. Due to CTV, few if any nursery trees are being propagated in Florida on sour orange, bittersweet or Citrus macrophylla rootstock.

Ozgur Batuman, Amit Levy, William O. Dawson, andWilliam O. Dawson
Other Contacts: Megan M. Dewdney

2026–2029 Florida Citrus Production Guide (Citrus Production Fundamentals).