The Exotic Pathogens of Citrus Collection (EPCC) in Beltsville, Maryland, maintains a unique collection of graft transmissible virus and fastidious prokaryotes pathogens of citrus but cannot maintain the positive control for citrus leprosis disease (CiLD) viruses. To prevent CiLD introduction and re-emergence in the U.S., a RT-qPCR assay was developed and optimized for universal detection and differentiation of orchid fleck virus (OFV) strains. This method detected two OFV strains in Florida and California in ornamentals and orchids. A novel OFV strain and its mite vector were discovered in Florida, increasing the risk of CiLD emergence in citrus. At least one of four strains was associated with CiLD in Colombia, Mexico, Hawaii, and South Africa.
OFV on citrus
Comments