Citrus Tristeza Virus in Cyprus

Abstract

A survey for citrus tristeza virus (CTV) was conducted in Cyprus from 1987 to 1991 using Mexican lime indicator seedlings. Samples were obtained from a total of 725 trees of 28 citrus species and varieties grown in 156 groves in the main citrus-producing areas of the island. Infection was detected in four groves, two of clementine, one of lemon, and one of grapefruit. When all trees in these groves were tested by ELISA, the incidence of CTV ranged from 16 to 62%. Infected grapefruit trees exhibited evident decline symptoms, whereas infected clementines showed mild symptoms and lemons were symptomless. No evidence of seedling yellows was found. There were indications that CTV is naturally spreading and an isolate from clementine was experimentally transmitted frominfected to healthy Mexican lime seedlings by Aphis gossypii.