Citrus Canker: Developments down the lane

Abstract

Citrus canker (caused by Xanthomonas citri ssp.citri , a gram negative bacterium) is considered one of the most feared bacterial diseases of limes/lemons, though affects all types of citrus species. However, there is hardly any citrus species immune to citrus canker in field having severe incidence. Number of field screenings against citrus canker showed Calamondin and Kumquats are highly resistant against citrus canker, while mandarins like Ponkan, Satsuma, Tankan, Cleopatra, Sunki, Sun Chu Sha etc are, though, reported resistant to citrus canker, but their performance under severe incidence of canker still remains a question mark. Chronologically not much developments have taken place , except the physical eradication though pruning and spray of antibiotics and copper- based fungicide still hold the anticipated promise. But of late, biological control of canker using microbial antagonists alongwith obligate entophytes have shown better results under field conditions. These developmental efforts opened up the renewed role of entophytes and novel bioagents to be attempted in a big way against citrus canker. All these issues have been briefly highlighted in this review.