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Citrus Canker and Citrus Leprosis Fruit Symptom Comparison

A. Levy, J. D. Burrow, and M. M. Dewdney

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Citrus Canker

The purpose of this publication is to aid citrus growers in distinguishing between citrus canker and leprosis symptoms on fruit.

Young canker lesions.
Figure 1. Young canker lesions.
Credit: J. D. Burrow, UF/IFAS

 

Older canker lesions.
Figure 2. Older canker lesions.
Credit: J. D. Burrow, UF/IFAS

Citrus canker is a bacterial disease that is easily spread by wind-blown rain and the movement of equipment and people.

Fruit Symptoms

  • Lesions are generally circular in shape and highly raised in texture.
  • Lesions vary in size through coalescence (merging into one whole).
  • Very early symptoms can appear dark brown.
  • Early symptoms can appear dark brown.
  • As the lesions age, a prominent yellow halo forms, and the center becomes dark brown to black.
  • When moisture is present, oozing may occur.
  • Circular cracks often form in the lesions.

Citrus Leprosis

Young leprosis lesions.
Figure 3. Young leprosis lesions.
Credit: M. E. Rogers, UF/IFAS

 

Older leprosis lesions.
Figure 4. Older leprosis lesions.
Credit: M. M. Dewdney, UF/IFAS

Citrus leprosis is a viral disease that is spread by a group of mites in the genus Brevipalpus. The lesions are caused by infected flat mites feeding on the fruit peel. The mites move by wind but also can be moved by equipment and people.

Fruit Symptoms

  • Lesions are generally circular but can coalesce.
  • Early symptoms are flat and circular with the beginning stages of necrosis (dead areas).
  • As the lesions age, they form concentric rings (zone pattern) with necrosis.
  • Older lesions may be rusty-red to brown and sunken. Lesion centers may crack in high temperatures.

Citrus Canker

Example of citrus canker symptoms.
Figure 5. Example of citrus canker symptoms.
Credit: H. Chamberlain, former UF/IFAS

 

Example of citrus canker symptoms.
Figure 6. Example of citrus canker symptoms.
Credit: M. M. Dewdney, UF/IFAS

 

Example of citrus canker symptoms.
Figure 7. Example of citrus canker symptoms.
Credit: J. D. Burrow, UF/IFAS

 

Example of citrus canker symptoms.
Figure 8. Example of citrus canker symptoms.
Credit: M. M. Dewdney, UF/IFAS

 

Example of citrus canker symptoms.
Figure 9. Example of citrus canker symptoms.
Credit: J. D. Burrow, UF/IFAS

 

Example of citrus canker symptoms.
Figure 10. Example of citrus canker symptoms.
Credit: J. D. Burrow, UF/IFAS

Citrus Leprosis

Example of citrus leprosis symptoms.
Figure 11. Example of citrus leprosis symptoms.
Credit: A. Levy, UF/IFAS

 

Example of citrus leprosis symptoms.
Figure 12. Example of citrus leprosis symptoms.
Credit: S. H. Futch, former UF/IFAS

 

Example of citrus leprosis symptoms.
Figure 13. Example of citrus leprosis symptoms.
Credit: J. D. Burrow, UF/IFAS

 

Example of citrus leprosis symptoms.
Figure 14. Example of citrus leprosis symptoms.
Credit: M. E. Rogers, UF/IFAS

 

Example of citrus leprosis symptoms.
Figure 15. Example of citrus leprosis symptoms.
Credit: M. E. Rogers, UF/IFAS

 

Example of citrus leprosis symptoms.
Figure 16. Example of citrus leprosis symptoms.
Credit: M. E. Rogers, UF/IFAS