A Guide to Citrus Disease Identification: HS-798/CH159, 2/2001

Abstract

Citrus trees in both commercial and dooryard plantings can exhibit a host of symptoms reflecting various disorders that can impact their health, vigor, and productivity to varying degrees. Identifying symptoms correctly is an important aspect of management, as inappropriate remedial applications or actions can be costly and sometimes detrimental.

Disease symptoms addressed in this publication are an important aspect of commercial citrus production programs. Proper disease identification is an important factor in planning and conducting any disease control program. Disease symptoms may vary in expression on foliage, stems, roots, and fruit, and may not in all cases resemble those illustrated in various publications. Symptoms can vary considerably from mild to severe depending upon infection period, climatic conditions, and age of tissue when infection occurred. When in doubt about disease identification, seek advice before committing to costly and perhaps inappropriate corrective measures.