Xanthomonas citri sub sp. citri (Xcc) causes citrus bacterial canker (CBC), a highly destructive disease of citrus plants globally. A comprehensive survey commenced in seven locations of District Sargodha, Pakistan, to determine the incidence of CBC on Kinnow, Feutrell’s early (Citrus reticulata Blanco), and Musambi (Citrus sinensis) cultivars. Additionally, 47 citrus cultivars reached assessment for their response to Xcc for disease severity. The highest incidence of CBC emerged in Kinnow at Shahpur (57.3%), Bhera (40.5%), and Sargodha (35.0%). Feutrell’s early showed a higher incidence rate at Shahpur (35.0%), Bhalwal (35.0%), and Sargodha (30.0%). Meanwhile, Musambi plants exhibited an incidence of 15.0% at Shahpur and Bhera and 13.3% at Bhalwal. Among the 47 cultivars, Jaffa, Valencia Late, Sanguinello, and Musambi (Citrus sinensis) demonstrated resistance to CBC, as their severity levels were <4.0%. Tracco N (20.3%) and rough lemon (22.0%) proved susceptible cultivars. However, a high susceptibility to canker disease was notable in Shamber grapefruit (31.0%) and Chakotra (Pommelo) (34.6%). Understanding the susceptibility of diverse citrus cultivars to CBC provides valuable insights for breeding programs and integrated management of the CBC disease.
Citrus cultivars, disease management, incidence, Xanthomonas citri
In the District of Sargodha, Pakistan, Kinnow exhibited the highest incidence of CBC, notably at Shahpur, Bhera, and Sargodha. Feutrell’s early displayed increased incidence rates at Shahpur, Bhalwal, and Sargodha, while Musambi plants showed a lower incidence of CBC. Among the 47 evaluated cultivars, Jaffa, Valencia Late, Sanginello, and Musambi showed resistance to CBC, with disease severity levels below 4.0%. Conversely, Tracco N and Rough lemon were markedly susceptible cultivars. Higher susceptibility was evident in Shamber grapefruit and Chakotra (Pommelo).