First reported in the São Paulo state in Brazil in 1987, the citrus variegated chlorosis disease (CVC) affected approximately 100 million sweet orange trees in the region 20 years later. However, current estimates indicate that the number of diseased trees has been reduced 25-fold since 2009.
The summarizes CVC disease research since its emergence in 1987, focusing on the scientific work that contributed to positive results in managing the infection in the field. Thanks to discovering that Xylella fastidiosa subspecies pauca causes the disease, scientists could indicate the transmission sources in infected plant material and specific insect vectors. That enabled citrus nurseries to adopt a certification program proven useful in controlling the infection.
Even if the disease has not been eradicated yet, and the paper recommends a high level of vigilance, today the São Paulo State’s CVC epidemics is relatively under control. The review concludes that the painful experience ultimately led to significant improvements in the scientific and technical knowledge linked to sweet orange production and the development of a more sustainable and resilient citrus industry in Brazil.
Read/download via Springer: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40858-020-00358-5