Plant Diseases- Citrus Canker

Pathogen: Xanthomonas citri (Bacterium)
 
Infected plant Portion: Leaves, Fruits, twigs, thorns etc

Symptoms:

• Lesions appear on the lower surface of the leaves.
• The lesions later change to yellow brown areas on the leaves.
• Elongated lesions are found on twigs and fruits.
• The affected leaves and petioles are subjected to defoliation at an early time.
• The infection of fruits is only skin any harm to the juicy part of the fruit.

Propagation: The bacteria enter through the stomata and wounds of the plant. From the lesions on the fruits, stem, leaves etc. the bacteria often get disseminated by insects rain water etc.
Control:

• Complete destruction of diseased plants by burning them.
•  Spraying plant before planting with 1% Bordeaux mixture.
•  Use of disease free nursery stock for planting.
• Antibiotic spray with streptomycin
•  Spraying leaves with neem cake at 1 kg in 20 litres of water.