Processing lemon samples.

Citrus production ranks second in Puerto Rico’s fruit production with 7,000 acres planted in 2012.  In 2010 net production of citrus was valued at $ 10 million in 60-70 millions of fruits produced. Citrus spp. is widely planted in Puerto Rico with over 700 producers and 2,800 farms especially in the mountainous region.

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The Experiment Station of the University of Puerto Rico (UPR) at the substations of Isabela and Isabela maintains a foundation of 20 commercial varieties and a collection of 33 accessions of Citrus spp. under screen protected structures. The Citrus spp. collection at the Substation of Adjuntas that comprises 51 citrus varieties including 23 citrus genotypes selected locally. These collections are tested yearly for Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas), Citrus Tristeza Virus (CTV) and Citrus Variegated Chlorosis (CVC).

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The Substations produce tested citrus plants and budwood for citrus growers and private nurseries, including “Ensenat,” a nursery of the Puerto Rico Department of Agriculture. The foundation blocks and citrus germplasm collection are tested regularly for systemic pathogens, including CLas using conventional and qPCR.

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The Plant Diagnostic Clinic at Fortuna Substation carries out the testing supported by the Citrus Clean Plant Network and HATCH funding. The purpose of the program is to secure the availability of disease tested Citrus spp. at the Experiment Stations for growers and the general public.