Journal of Plant Pathology (2006) 88, p. S25 (Sorrentino et al.)

G. Sorrentino, S. Davino, M. Guardo, A. Caruso, G. Iacono and M. Davino (2006)
Spread of Citrus tristeza virus in an area of Sicily
Journal of Plant Pathology 88 (3, Special Issue), S25-S25
S.I.Pa.V XIII National Meeting - Foggia, 12-16 September 2006 - Oral Presentation
Abstract: A study was carried out in a citrus-growing area of Sicily (Southern Italy) with the purpose of monitoring the spread of Citrus tristeza virus (CTV). The site of the investigation was in the area of Baè (Catania) where thousand of 'Tarocco comune' sweet orange trees grafted on sour orange of different age are infected by a severe strain of CTV. Two blocks of 400 plants each, chosen at different distance from the initial CTV focus were tested every 3 months by imunoenzymatic assays (DAS-ELISA and DTBIA) using a mixture of two monoclonal antibody. Samples were collected weekly during the months of March, April, May, June, September and October 2001 through 2005, for identifying the species constituting aphid populations of the area. Some of the collected aphids were used for CTV transmission trials in rearing cages placed in a constant temperature cabinet whereas others were checked for the presence of CTV in their body. About 90% of the aphid population in the area under study was made up of the cotton aphid (Aphis gossypii). CTV was present in the body of the aphids that were able to transmit the virus. In five years infected trees increased from 5 to 88%.
Database assignments for author(s): Salvatore Walter Davino, Maria Guardo

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
transmission/dispersal of plant diseases
surveys/sampling/distribution

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Aphis gossypii	Citrus (genus)	Italy
	Citrus tristeza virus	Citrus (genus)	Italy