Distribution of Citrus tristeza virus in Syrian Coast

Ensaf Akel*(1) and Imad Ismail(2)

(1). Agricultural Research Center in Lattakia, General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research (GCSAR), Damascus, Syria.
(2). Plant Protection Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Tishreen University, Lattakia, Syria.
(*Corresponding author: Dr. Ensaf Akel. Email: ensafakel5n4a@gmail.com).

Received: 24/04/2016                         Accepted: 24/05/2016

Abstract

A survey of Citrus tristeza virus (CTV) (CTV, Closterovirus, Closteroviridae) in citrus orchards in Syrian Coast was conducted between March and November 2011. 288 samples were collected (219 samples from old tree, and 69 samples from public and private nurseries) from three regions: Lattakia, Jablah, Banyas. Most of samples showed symptoms similar to symptoms caused by viral diseases. Tissue Blot Immuno binding Assay TBIA was used to detect CTV. Results showed the distribution of Citrus tristeza virus, in citrus orchards in Syrian Coast in different rations in Lattakia region (27.64%), Banyas (22.05%), and Jablah (19.58%). Virus was recorded on different citrus varieties, which belongs to different groups. The highest infection value was recorded on Sweet orange (35.92%), Mandarine (8.16%), Sour orange (6.25%), and Grapefruit (5%).  Also the virus was recorded in some public and private nurseries, in Vdeo and Al Hanadi locations, so that is a serious indicator of virus prevalence, because the rootstocks are distributed to the farmers through these nurseries.

 Key Words: Citrus, CTV, Survey, TBIA.

Full paper in Arabic: Distribution of Citrus tristeza virus in Syrian Coast