Citrus Canker
Xanthomonas citri
Basic Details
Description
Taxonomy
Features
Translations
Basic Details
NameCitrus Canker
DescriptionCitrus canker causes raised, corky spots with yellow halos on leaves and fruit. Identify these unsightly lesions to prevent the spread of this highly contagious disease.
TypeBacteria
FamilyXanthomonadaceae
GenusXanthomonas
Taxonomy & Features
PhylumProteobacteria
ClassGammaproteobacteria
OrderXanthomonadales
Features
- A devastating bacterial disease of citrus plants caused by Xanthomonas citri. It is highly contagious and spreads rapidly in warm, rainy weather
- Characterized by raised, crater-like lesions on both sides of leaves, stems, and fruit. Lesions are brownish and have a distinctive water-soaked margin
- A bright yellow halo often surrounds each lesion, especially on younger leaves. On older fruit, the lesions become grey and corky
- Severe infections cause premature fruit drop and early leaf fall (defoliation). It also leads to branch dieback and an overall decline in tree health
- The bacteria enter the plant through natural openings (stomata) or through wounds created by insects, pruning, or wind damage
- Bacteria can survive for months on infected plant parts and are easily spread by rain, wind, and contaminated tools or clothing
- The fruit remains safe to eat but is unmarketable due to the external lesions. However, the disease eventually makes the tree unproductive and may kill it
- Thrives in tropical and subtropical regions with high humidity. Storms with heavy wind and rain are the primary drivers of large-scale outbreaks
- Buy only certified disease-free citrus plants. Disinfect pruning tools with 70% alcohol or bleach between trees to prevent cross-contamination
- No cure exists for infected trees. The best practice is prompt removal and destruction of the infected tree to protect surrounding citrus plants
Names in Different Languages
Latin / ScientificXanthomonas citri
English (Alternate)Citrus bacterial canker
Hindiनींबू वर्गीय फलों का कैंसर (Nimbu vargiya phalon ka cancer)
Tamilஎலுமிச்சை கான்கர் (Elumichai canker)
Teluguనిమ్మ కాంకర్ తెగులు (Nimma canker tegulu)
Malayalamസിട്രസ് കാങ്കർ (Sitraṣ kāṅkaṟ)
Kannadaನಿಂಬೆ ಕಜ್ಜಿ ರೋಗ (Nimbe kajji rōga)
Sanskritजम्बीर-व्रण (Jambīra-vraṇa)
Bengaliসাইট্রাস ক্যাঙ্কার (Citrus canker)
Frenchchancre citrique
Russianрак цитрусовых (rak tsitrusovykh)
Spanishcancrosis de los cítricos
GermanZitruskrebs
