First Outbreak of Citrus Viroid V (Apscaviroid epsiloncitri) in Sweet Orange in Italy

Abstract

Citrus viroid V (CVd-V, Apscaviroid epsiloncitri) was first identified in Spain and has subsequently been detected in other countries of the Mediterranean basin, Asia and America. A wide range of asymptomatic citrus hosts has been reported. Foliar and stem symptoms have been observed in experimentally inoculated Etrog citron, which are more severe in synergistic infections with other viroids. Yield reduction and significant dwarfing have been reported in clementine trees grafted on trifoliate orange, in association with additional viroids. Like other citrus viroids, CVd-V is graft-transmitted, and spreads through the propagation of infected material. Therefore, it is crucial that the mother plants used for nursery propagation are free of CVd-V.