Citrus Black Spot management in the Eastern Cape under the spotlight

摘要

In areas where it occurs, Citrus Black Spot (CBS) is probably the disease that costs citrus growers the most money, firstly as a result of the high cost of chemical control, and secondly due to restricted access to lucrative markets. Ironically, direct yield loss due to this cosmetic disease is not of major economical concern. In areas where CBS is prevalent, such as Mpumalanga and certain areas in Limpopo, growers apply up to 6 full cover sprays for CBS control in order to comply with zero tolerancefor CBS in European markets. It is estimated that the total cost of CBS chemical control to the citrus industry amounts to more that R 80 million per annum! Most published recommendations for effective CBS management stem from research conducted in areas where this disease is a serious problem. However, in areas with less suitable climates for CBS, such recommendations might be excessive. As a consequence, these areas often reverted to their own customised CBS control programmes.