Citrus canker

Symptoms

The bacterium causes the development of blister-like lesions on host leaves, fruit and stems.

Citrus canker lesions

• Usually raised, spongy, and coloured tan to brown, surrounded by an oily, water-soaked margin that can become a yellow ring or halo as the lesions age.
• Gradually increase in size to 5–10mm over several months.
• Large or older lesions may have a crater-like centre, which can fall out to create a 'shot-hole' appearance.
• Occur in clusters where water pools on the leaf (such as along leaf margins or tips).
• Can follow the feeding tracks of citrus leaf miners, where the wound provides an entry point for the bacteria.
• Multiple lesions on fruit stems are typically only seen in cases where the foliage is severely affected.

The lesions can vary in size, shape and appearance depending on:

• the citrus cultivar or host plant affected
• the way the bacteria enters the plant (for example through stomata or entry wounds)
• the age of the lesions
• climatic conditions.

The disease causes abnormal leaf fall, poor tree health, dieback, blemished fruit and premature fruit drop.

Plant stage and plant parts affected

Leaf, fruit and stem tissue may be infected. Leaf tissue offers more opportunity for infection and as such typically displays the most numerous lesions over time.

The disease usually becomes more active in early spring. The highest risk for new infections is during active growing periods when fresh shoots are emerging.

Conditions for development of the disease are optimal in warm temperatures, and spread is highest in periods of high rainfall and strong winds.

Lemon scab caused by the fungus Elsinoe fawcettii also causes scab-like lesions, predominantly on lemons in coastal regions. Lemon scabs appear drier looking than citrus canker and to not have a yellow halo.

If you suspect citrus canker, don't hesitate to report it.

The disease is widespread in many tropical and subtropical citrus-growing areas of the world.

Affects orange, mandarin, lemon, lime, grapefruit, kumquat, calamondin, tangelo, pomelo, citrus rootstock and native citrus species such as Citrus australasica (finger lime), C. gracilis (Humptydoo lime) and C. inodora (North Queensland/Johnstone River lime).

All commercial citrus cultivars can be affected.

The Biosecurity (Citrus Canker) Amendment Regulation 2019 contains a full list of citrus canker host plants.

Bacteria ooze from the lesions and are spread predominantly by rain splash. In rain storms, bacteria can be carried between trees over distances up to 100m. The bacteria enter the plant through stomata or through wounds caused by wind driven rain, mechanical wounds caused by equipment, and wounds caused by insects such as citrus leaf miner. The disease can become less active (latent) when the weather is dry for long periods, and then become active again in periods of high rainfall and warm weather.

Citrus is a significant crop in Australia with over 23,000 hectares of citrus planted. For the year ending June 2023, citrus production was valued at $977.1 million, with Queensland the largest producer of mandarins, lemons and limes. The high quality of Australia's citrus fruit results in citrus being Australia's largest fresh fruit exporting industry by volume, with exports of oranges, mandarins, lemons, limes and grapefruit—totalling 231,301 tonnes worth $441.1 million in 2023 (Horticulture Innovation Australia Ltd, 2023).

Citrus canker causes plant defoliation, unsightly fruit blemishes and premature fruit drop. This leads to decrease in fruit production and a reduction in saleable fruit. Farmers can experience production losses and trade bans as the presence of citrus canker can affect domestic and international export market access. In order to prevent the disease from spreading, affected growers properties may be quarantined. Citrus canker can also have significant economic and emotional impacts on individual growers, their families and the communities that support them.

Home gardeners may also be affected as citrus is a common backyard plant.

Human health is not affected by infected plants and fruit.

Citrus canker is easily spread. The canker lesions ooze bacteria when wet. Over short distances, wind-driven rain, air currents, insects, birds, human movement and equipment such as overhead or spray irrigation systems can spread the bacteria.

Citrus canker can be moved and spread over longer distances on equipment (vehicles, tools, mechanical hedgers, sprayers, gardening equipment) and people (hands, shoes and clothing).

Movement of infected plant material, or airborne movement of bacteria as an aerosol or debris during severe weather events (where strong winds and rain are present), can also spread the disease further.

The disease is not transmitted by seeds.

Illegal importation of infected plant material poses the greatest risk of introducing this disease into Australia. The Australian Government closely monitors for illegal plant movements and regulates approved host plant imports.

Citrus canker is typically recognised by its characteristic symptoms, and can be detected during routine orchard inspections.

If you see symptoms that resemble citrus canker infection, contact Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23 for advice on how to act.

• Read the Biosecurity Manual for Citrus Producers (PDF, 4MB).
• Visit the farm biosecurity website.

Citrus canker is a prohibited matter under the Biosecurity Act 2014.

Report suspected citrus canker to Biosecurity Queensland immediately on 13 25 23 or contact the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.

If you think you have found citrus canker, you must take all reasonable and practical steps under your control to minimise any associated risks or spread of the disease. This is called a general biosecurity obligation (GBO). Do not touch or move infected plant material.

Interstate movement controls have been implemented to prevent entry of citrus canker hosts and carriers, such as fruit, plants and plant material, soil, equipment and machinery, from states where citrus canker has been detected into Queensland. For further information, view the movement restrictions in the Queensland biosecurity manual (PDF, 1.8MB).