Citrus tristeza disease severity and agronomiC performanCe of 'pÊra' sweet orange CuLtivars and seLeCtions in the north and northwest regions of the state of paraná, BraziL 1

Abstract

aBstraCt -'Pêra' sweet orange is the most important citrus cultivar in Brazil, but it is highly susceptible to Citrus tristeza virus (CTV), the causal agent of citrus tristeza disease. In this study, we evaluated the severity of citrus tristeza disease and its relation with the agronomic performance of seven cultivars and six selections of 'Pêra' sweet orange under field conditions in the North and Northwest regions of the State of Paraná, Brazil. The citrus tristeza disease severity was determined based on symptoms of stem pitting. The vegetative growth assessed in trees of all four locations for the 2012 season, and in two field plots for the 2011, 2012 and 2013 harvests, respectively. The cultivar 'IPR 153' (Bianchi) had the best performance concerning stem pitting severity, while Selection 27 was among the ones with the highest rate of vegetative growth. Further, Selections 27 and 12, and the cultivar 'Vimusa' had the largest fruit yields. Based on correlation analysis, stem pitting symptoms severity was negatively correlated with vegetative growth and fruit yield. Furthermore, environmental conditions may have played an important role in the severity of citrus tristeza disease and consequently on the agronomic performance of the cultivars and selections of 'Pêra' sweet orange in the North an