| Summary: | In order to ascertain the presence, incidence, and distribution of Citrus
tristeza virus (CTV), extensive surveys were conducted in citrus growing areas of
south-western Nigeria during 2011-12. A total of 565 citrus trees were sampled in
three states. Leaf samples were collected and symptom intensity of the trees was
recorded. Symptoms observed included stem pitting, stunting, vein clearing and leaf
curling. Nucleic acid extracts from leaves were used to detect CTV by RT-PCR
using primers PIN1 and PIN2 directed to the conserved 3’ untranslated region.
Results show the presence of CTV in the three states surveyed while symptom
severity differed from one location to another. Disease incidence varied from 85.2%
in Oyo State to 48.4% in Ogun State. Citrus trees were infected regardless of scionrootstock
combinations and the virus was detected in sweet orange (87.0%),
tangerine (77.6%), grapefruit (73.8%) and lemon (69.5%). This is the first report of
molecular detection of CTV in Nigeria.In order to ascertain the presence, incidence, and distribution of Citrus
tristeza virus (CTV), extensive surveys were conducted in citrus growing areas of
south-western Nigeria during 2011-12. A total of 565 citrus trees were sampled in
three states. Leaf samples were collected and symptom intensity of the trees was
recorded. Symptoms observed included stem pitting, stunting, vein clearing and leaf
curling. Nucleic acid extracts from leaves were used to detect CTV by RT-PCR
using primers PIN1 and PIN2 directed to the conserved 3’ untranslated region.
Results show the presence of CTV in the three states surveyed while symptom
severity differed from one location to another. Disease incidence varied from 85.2%
in Oyo State to 48.4% in Ogun State. Citrus trees were infected regardless of scionrootstock
combinations and the virus was detected in sweet orange (87.0%),
tangerine (77.6%), grapefruit (73.8%) and lemon (69.5%). This is the first report of
molecular detection of CTV in Nigeria.
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