Citrus greening huanglongbing (Asian) - Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus
Effective: August 18, 2010 - December 31, 2011
Taxonomic Position: Rhizobiales : Rhizobiaceae
Pest Type: Bacteria
Pest Code (NAPIS): FGCOLQB
This pest is a member of the following surveys: Citrus
These Approved Methods are appropriate for: 2011
Pest Information
Pest is vectored by: African citrus psyllid (Trioza erytreae), Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri).
African citrus psyllid is not present in the United States.
Asian citrus psyllid is present in the United States. The Asian citrus psyllid has been detected in Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Guam, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Texas, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Mexico.
Survey
Approved Method(s)
Method |
Detail |
NAPIS Survey Method |
Visual |
Inspect host material. |
3031 - General Visual Observation |
Survey Recommendations
The following are recommendations for executing the survey using the approved methods for pest surveillance. The recommendations are developed through literature review and consultation with subject matter experts.
Signs: No specific signs are present.
Symptoms: Blotchy mottle on fully hardened off leaves located in the interior of the canopy, behind new growth; yellow shoots, mottling of leaves, small misshapen fruit that are sour to bitter in taste.
Key Diagnostic or Identification
Approved Method(s)
ID/Diagnostic: Molecular: All medium-high suspect level leaf and stem samples (based on symptoms) should be sent for molecular confirmation (PCR).
PPQ certified analysts in accredited labs should conduct either the validated conventional or real-time PCR assays (Li et al., 2006; Li et al., 2007).
Work instructions for these assays are available.
Mistaken Identities: Citrus stubborn disease (Spiroplasma citri), citrus tristeza closterovirus (CTV), Phytophthora infection, citrus blight, and certain nutrient deficiencies (zinc).
In Progress / Literature-based Diagnostics: Grafting: Susceptible seedling graft inoculation has been used but is extremely time-intensive due to the lengthy period necessary to observe symptoms (not recommended for CAPS).
Sechler et al. (2009) describe a culture medium that can culture Ca. L. asiaticus, Ca. L. africanus, and Ca. L. americanus.
Notes: Iodine staining of suspect tissue has shown some promise for preliminary screening in the field.
Due to the rate of false negatives, this method should not be used in areas where HLB is not known to occur, but may have use in areas where HLB is prevalent to identify infected trees (this method has not been validated by PPQ).
Contact Renee DeVries for the most up-to-date work instructions.
Ca. L. asiaticus has been detected in Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, South Carolina, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands.