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Panorama of citrus canker in the United States

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Abstract

This review summarizes the current status of citrus canker in the United States. The disease is present in Florida, Louisiana, and Texas. In Florida, the eradication program ended in 2006 and now citrus canker is endemic to many citrus-growing areas, although it is still possible to find canker-free groves. In endemic areas, the disease is controlled using windbreaks, applying copper-based bactericides, controlling the citrus leafminer, and applying systemic plant activators. In Louisiana, citrus canker was identified in 2013, the first time since the 1940s, and has since been identified in 10 of the parishes where plant material and fruit are not allowed to leave the quarantine areas. There are no eradication efforts in Louisiana and removal of trees is voluntary. Finally, citrus canker resurfaced in Texas in 2015 and has been detected in several locations. Currently only the type AW strain is present in Texas and quarantine efforts are being taken to mitigate the risk of introduction of the type A strain into the state.

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Correspondence to Alberto M. Gochez.

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Gochez, A.M., Behlau, F., Singh, R. et al. Panorama of citrus canker in the United States. Trop. plant pathol. 45, 192–199 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40858-020-00355-8

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