Arvind Kumar

Lethal stem pitting is a disease primarily affecting citrus fruit crops. It is caused by the Citrus tristeza virus (CTV). The virus induces pitting or depressions on the stems and branches of citrus trees, often leading to severe decline and death of the trees, especially when grafted on susceptible rootstocks.

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Lethal stem pitting is a disease of citrus fruit crops, particularly affecting sweet orange, grapefruit, and other citrus varieties. This viral disease is caused by citrus tristeza virus (CTV) and is characterized by the formation of deep pits or grooves in the stem wood beneath the bark, leading to girdling of the trunk, decline in tree vigor, reduced fruit production, and eventually death of the affected trees. The disease is transmitted by aphid vectors, particularly the brown citrus aphid, and has caused significant economic losses in citrus-growing regions worldwide.