Hosts and Potential Hosts of Citrus Pests and Diseases in the U.S.
Authors: Amanda Saville, Alexander Krings, and Tracy Kahn
CPHST is pleased to announce the release of its newest identification tool, Citrus ID: Hosts and Potential Hosts of Citrus Pests and Diseases in the U.S., developed through collaboration among CPHST, North Carolina State University, and University of California-Riverside. This online tool is designed to support the identification of host material during citrus pest and disease surveys by industry and government agency personnel. It focuses primarily on cultivars of citrus and its relatives that have been introduced and released for cultivation in the U.S.
Early pest detection and management are of paramount importance to ensuring continued viability of U.S. citrus. Rapid communication of new pests, significant outbreaks, and accurate host information depend on proper taxonomic identification of both pest and host. Many citrus pests and diseases are restricted to specific citrus taxa, therefore the identification of particular plants being sampled is important for accurate documentation of pests and diseases. In addition, there are numerous non-citrus sensu stricto plants that have been identified as hosts to citrus pests and diseases. However, a complete listing and keys to these hosts was heretofore unavailable. To help fill these needs, Citrus ID provides PPQ, cooperators, and the citrus industry a comprehensive, user-friendly tool to support identification of host material.