Huanglongbing (HLB) caused by Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus and tristeza caused by Citrus tristeza virus (CTV) are the major diseases affecting citrus species including calamansi (Citrofortunella microcarpa Bunge) in the country. Oriental Mindoro, aptly called the “Calamansi King” of the Philippines, produces more than 97%, contributing to 33% of the country’s total calamansi production (PSA 2017). Disease surveillance found that HLB and tristeza are prevalent in the province, and they occur mostly in mixed infection with symptoms of blotchy mottle and interveinal chlorosis on the leaves.
{Photograph courtesy of Dr. Filomena C. Sta. Cruz, Institute of Weed Science, Entomology and Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture and Food Science, University of the Philippines Los Banos)
