Interactions between nutrient and Huanglongbing pathogen in citrus: An overview and implications

Huanglongbing (HLB) is one of the most complex and destructive diseases of citrus, which has left a great negative impact on growth of world citrus industry. The characteristic symptoms of HLB include leaves with blotchy mottles and stunted growth of infected plants. These symptoms are often confused with the symptoms of nutritional deficiencies. Mineral nutrition not only plays an important role in triggering an untimely decline in citrus productivity, but also acts as a pre-disposing factor in offering plant defense against HLB. Although, nutritional management showed no determinacy and consistency in results, the application of macro-and micronutrients inducing Systemic Acquired Resistance (SAR) is one of the measures followed worldwide to maintain the normal production of HLB-infected orchards. Therefore, understanding the detailed process of interaction between nutrient disorders and HLB development is the key to effective nutritional management vis`a-vis prolonged orchard productivity. In this review, recent advances on pathogen-host-nutritional interaction and vector-host-nutrition interaction are discussed with updated global studies.

Automated summary

Huanglongbing (HLB) is a complex and destructive disease of citrus, with symptoms often confused with nutritional deficiencies. Nutritional management is key in maintaining normal production of HLB-infected orchards.