Authors
C. A.
Powell
,
R. R.
Pelosi
, and
R. M.
Sonoda
,
University of Florida, IFAS, Indian River Research and Education Center, Fort Pierce 34945-3138
; and
R. F.
Lee
,
University of Florida, IFAS, Citrus Research and Education Center, Lake Alfred 33850-2299
ABSTRACT
Rio Grande Gummosis (RGG) is one of the most serious diseases of grapefruit in the Indian River region of Florida. Experiments were conducted to determine if a graft-transmissible agent was associated with this disease in commercial grapefruit, and if any such agent was present in scion sources used for grapefruit propagation. Indexing data from indicators revealed that 79% and 31% of the commercial grapefruit and scion trees, respectively, contained a psorosis-like agent (PLA). The PLA was present in both RGG-affected and symptomless trees. We conclude that Florida's grapefruit propagation sources are contaminated with a PLA that is now widespread in commercial plantings.
