African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 6 (12), pp. 1403-1409, 18 June 2007   

ISSN 1684–5315 © 2007 Academic Journals        

Full Length Research Paper

Vigour and behaviour of fifteen citrus varieties against tristeza in the forest zone of Cameroon

Ndongo Bekolo*, Ambang Zachée, Belibi Messanga Louis, Ngodo Melingui Jean Baptiste and Ongono Yvette

Department of Plant Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Yaoundé I, P. O. Box 812, Yaoundé, Cameroon.

*Corresponding author. E-mail: nbekolo2006@yahoo.fr. Tel: (237) 781-06-46.

Accepted 19 April, 2007

Fifteen varieties or combinations of citrus (lime, grapefruit, lemons, oranges, mandarin and hybrids) were characterized in the forest zone of Cameroon. Characterization was carried out based on the behaviour of these citrus varieties against citrus tristeza virus (CTV). Foliar and cortical symptoms were evaluated. Six years old plants did not show any immune reaction against the disease. Unusual mild symptoms were observed in varieties normally tolerant to the disease, which constitute an indicator of the presence of a virulent viral complex. Satsuma mandarin, Lisbon lemon, Eureka lemon and in some aspects Tahiti lime showed a satisfactory behaviour for their vigour and reaction against CTV.

Key words: Tristeza, citrus, symptom, vigour.