Application of Real Time PCR for the Prevalence Determination of Citrus Exocortis Viroid (CEVd) in Algeria

Citrus exocortis is a grafting disease caused by Citrus Exocortis Viroid (CEVd). The knowledge of the viroid’s incidence and distribution are necessary to further apply control measures. The objective of this work was to apply the real time PCR assay for the detection of CEVd in samples collected from symptomatic CEVd-infected plants in Mitidja (North Algeria). The assay showed an excellent diagnostic specificity where 38 out of 50 samples showed a positive reaction for CEVd, which revealed the presence of CEVd in citrus orchards with a prevalence of 76%. Consequently, this work offers a quick alternative to conventional methods for the early diagnosis and the prevalence assessment of CEVd.