A summary of the research programme for control of Diaprepes abbreviatus which is primarily responsible for citrus dieback disease. Studies include: population dynamics of the pest, presence of oophagi parasites of which 3 have been discovered in Guadeloupe (Tetrastichus sp. 1 and 2, and Ceratogramma) and one in Martinique (Tetrastichus sp. 3), nematode parasites and fungal parasites. Alternative rootstocks are being tested as well as the effects of soil physical conditions

A citrus rehabilitation programme is underway to restore abandoned estates through weed control, epiphyte and parasitic phanerogam removal, pruning, fertilization and improved drainage. Phytosanitary methods of control of Moko disease (Pseudomonas solanacearum race 2) and Yellow Sigatoka (Mycosphaerella musicola) of bananas are listed. Virus indexing of citrus cultivars has been initiated and research into tissue culture of banana plants started

Of the citrus diseases occurring in Surinam, fungal, bacterial, viral and those caused by nematodes, tristeza is most important. Trials to identify the best rootstocks to replace the tristeza-susceptible sour orange found Rangpur lime budded with nucellar Alidjan orange best on heavy clay soils. Sunki and King (tangors) are good rootstocks for grapefruit varieties. Research showed tristeza virus transmission by the aphid vector Toxoptera citricidus to be bi-modal (non-persistent and semi-persistent) in Surinam, with the latter more common

The tristeza virus and its vector Toxoptera citricidus are present in Guyana, as well as the susceptible rootstock sour orange. Indexing was carried out between 1964 and 1974 and interest was revived in 1982 but this has yet to be resumed

Outlines the history and objectives of the California Citrus Clonal Protection Program (CCPP) which conducts research and is a primary source of disease-free budwood of desirable true-to-type citrus scion and rootstock varieties designed to exclude graft transmissible diseases (virus and virus-like)

Describes the phytosanitary measures in force and those that are planned. These include provision of virus-free registered mother trees to nurseries, registration of citrus nurseries, regulation of seed and imports, and inspection of farms and nurseries

Martinique is in the favourable position of being free of tristeza and its vector Toxoptera citricidus, mal secco, greening, citrus canker or blight. The Fruit Research Station with equipment for virus indexing and strict sanitary inspection at the customs makes it an ideal location for a regional germplasm bank and for multiplication of vegetative material

Damage to citrus is mainly due to citrus weevils (Diaprepes spp.), scale insects and aphids. Other minor pests are listed. Exocortis and Tristeza are absent but diseases of minor importance are greasy spot (Mycosphaerella citri) and melanose (Erisiphe sp.)

Pests of major economic significance, their distribution in the Commonwealth Caribbean, the damage they cause and practices for their control are tabulated. The types of pests discussed are defoliators and foliage sap feeders and those causing damage to fruit, fiddler beetles, fruit flies, scale insects, and fruit piercing moths. The potentially serious pests of quarantine significance are summarised with their worldwide distribution and host plants other than citrus. The Mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata and the aphid vector of Tristeza, Toxoptera citricidus are significant

Indexing, the ELISA test, Spiroplasma citri culturing, nucellar selection and shoot tip grafting are procedures used in Corsica to maintain virus-free budwood. Corsica has managed to remain free of the major diseases of citrus: Tristeza, Phoma tracheiphila (mal secco), Spiroplasma citri (stubborn) greening and Xanthomonas citri (citrus canker)