Citrus is hosting several viruses and virus-like pathogens. The goal of this study was to find out how clean citrus trees are in the northern part of the West Bank in Palestine in terms of viruses like Citrus tristeza virus (CTV), Citrus psorosis virus (CPsV), Citrus leaf blotch virus (CLBV), and Citrus variegation virus (CVV). A total of 1,000 samples were taken from citrus leaves in the areas that were surveyed. We then tested these samples using DTBIA for CTV, DAS-ELISA for CPsV, and RT-PCR for CVV and CLBV. We also used Mexican lime and citron as indicator plants in bioassays on 10% of the samples to look for any graft-transmissible viruses or virus-like diseases. As a result, these indicator plants exhibited vein corking, leaf discoloration, and vein clearing, typical for CTV disease infection. None of the tested viruses were detected except for CTV, the sole virus found in samples tested in every district. The incidence of infection varied by district; for instance, the frequency of CTV infection in the Qalqiliya region was the highest (23.5%), followed by Nablus districts (12%), and Tulkarm had a low prevalence (only 6%). As a total, the CTV incidence reached 10.9%, while the highest infections were observed on Pomelo, Clementine, and Valencia orange cultivars; meanwhile, it was free in grapefruits and Fransawi oranges. It is intriguing that the prevalence of infection in nurseries has reached as high as 4%. Growing varieties and agricultural systems may be the primary factors that contributed to this incidence variation. According to the findings of this research, CTV continues to pose a threat to the citrus culture in Palestine. This study also showed, for the first time in Palestine, that the "Direct Tissue Blot Immunoassay" method worked well for keeping track of CTV cases. The method proved to be user-friendly and dependable, particularly in the context of mass detection, prompting a strong recommendation for nurseries to monitor CTV cases. The dissemination and distribution of healthy propagating materials to farmers and the sanitary selection of suitable rootstock were crucial factors in significantly improving the health status of citrus; and thus were highly recommended.

Conference Title

14th Arab Congress of Plant Protection, 3-7 November 2025, Algeria

Conference Country

Algeria

Conference Date

Nov. 3, 2025 - Nov. 7, 2025

Conference Sponsor

الجمعية العربية لوقاية النبات