Description of Citrus Canker - What is it and How Does it Spread?

Citrus canker is a bacterial disease that attacks the fruit, foliage and stems of citrus trees, causing them to drop prematurely. It has become an epidemic affecting the fruit industry due to its rapid spread. Unfortunately, at this time there is no cure. Infected trees have to be destroyed and removed.

The Spread of Citrus Canker

Citrus Canker is currently an epidemic crossing over Florida and destroying acres of citrus groves in it's path. Those who are affected have to destroy their crops and livelihood with no chance of recovering what they had for several years. Even those around these infected groves often have to destroy their trees in an effort to stop it from spreading. For some unknown reason, however, the groves which have been applying our products have not been affected. At this point we can't explain why, although research hopefully will soon provide the answer. Please visit our OmegaGrow section for more details on how it may be able to help you protect your investment. Those who have been using our products have not had any sign of citrus canker. This phenonemon is currently being investigated to figure out why this affect is taking place. For those unfamiliar with citrus canker we provide below a brief outline explaining the history and evolution of this disease.

Latest News Citrus Canker has not affected any customers using our products! Click here to learn more. Map of central Florida where our products have prevented canker and surrounding areas Florida Grower magazines feature article: Fighting Canker with Fish
	Symptoms Although different strains of Xanthomonas cause citrus canker, symptoms to the host remain the same. The first sign noticed by growers is usually an oily spot, approximately 2-10 mm on the leaves after a rainfall. These spots turn into raised lesions that begin to darken in color and then take on a corklike appearance becoming rough to the touch. Over time these lesions become sunken in the center forming a crater.
			In the foliage of citrus trees the lesions become visible on both sides, accompanied by a yellow halo and sometimes a water soaked appearance along the edge. The lesions eventually drop out leaving a hole in the leaf.
	On fruit the lesions do not usually penetrate through the rind. Even though the fruit would be safe to eat, appearance deems the fruit unmarketable. If a lesion forms on the stem of a plant it can split the epidermis and sometimes girdle young stems Geographical Locations It has been found all around the world, including Asia, the Middle East, Africa, the Pacific islands, South America and North America. It was first reported in North America in 1910 near the Georgia and Florida border. In less than two years it spread as far as Dade country more than 400 miles away. It took more than 20 years to eradicate the outbreak. Unfortunately it was detected again in 1986 and now most recently in 1995 in a residential area near the Miami International airport. Since then it has become worse each year, now affecting large orange groves throughout the state. It is believed that the disease entered Florida because international travelers carried infected fruit into the area. Those uneducated in signs of the disease would have no idea that it could be harmful or spread so easily. Once established it can spread quite easily. For a map of current locations please click here. Attempts are being made to stop the spread of the disease by quarantining the affected areas. Many have suffered great losses to their income, due to the destruction of their trees. Once trees are removed there is often a waiting period of two years before a new grove can be planted. How it Spreads What causes the disease to spread from one location to another? There are several possible methods through which this can happen.


		Wind, rain and irrigation (especially hurricanes and tornadoes) Movement of infected fruit and plant Transferred through insects and birds Contaminated clothing, hands or equipment (within 72 hours)
	Signs of citrus canker usually occur during growing season, when there is heavy rainfall and warm temperatures accompanied by strong winds. During this time new leaves are highly susceptible to the disease, because the leaves have not had time to mature and produce a protective wax buildup. Later in the season older trees become vulnerable when open wounds exsist providing entrance for the bacteria. Once infected, lesions can appear within seven days, although in some cases it can take as long as sixty days . Most varieties of fruit are susceptible to canker. Varieties which are particularly vulnerable include: grapefruits, oranges, lemons, tangerines and key limes. Florida’s citrus industry has been valued at 9 billion dollars. If the disease was to spread through the entire region it would have significant impact on our economy.
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