A Comprehensive Review on Citrus tristeza Virus

Abstract

Citrus tristeza virus (CTV) is an aphid-borne pathogen that causes devastating disease. Due to its devastating effects reaching endemic, epidemic and pandemic levels , it was named as “tristeza” which means “sadness” in Spanish and Portuguese. CTV belongs to Closterovirus group with largest genome size of 19.3kb.CTV variants causing symptoms in citrus like stem pitting, quick decline and seed yellows, initially restricted to regions of Asia, Australia, South Africa, and South America, have been successively reported in other citrus areas, including California, Florida, and the Mediterranean region. The virus CTV is phloem limited and is reported to be transmitted by viruliferous aphids Toxoptera citricida, Aphis gossypii, A. citricola, T. aurantia. Detection and identification of CTV can be achieved using biological, serological, or molecular amplification tests. Biological indexing or indicator plants can be used for the extraction, diagnosis of viruses, and further detection by RT-PCR and ELISA. Trifoliate orange and its derivative cultivars can be used as a resistant rootstock against Quick Decline. Preimmunization with mild strain through cross protection is the best method of managing CTV.