Distribution and Characterization of Citrus tristeza virus in South Florida Following Establishment of Toxoptera citricida.

The incidence of Citrus tristeza virus (CTV) was found to increase significantly in southern Florida within 2 years after the establishment of its most efficient vector, Toxoptera citricida (Kirkaldy). Increased incidence of both mild and severe strains was documented, with the incidence of severe strains increasing more than mild strains. Molecular probes capable of differentiating mild, quick decline and various types of stem-pitting strains demonstrated that trees often were infected with more than one strain of CTV, with trees containing up to five different strains. Some CTV strains detected in the southeast urban corridor of Florida and in commercial groves in southwest Florida were found to react with probes specific for stem-pitting strains known from elsewhere in the world. The implications of the presence of these CTV strains in Florida and their possible presence in citrus budwood scion trees are discussed.