Evidence for resistance to Citrus tristeza virus in pomelo (Citrus maxima Merr.) grown in Darjeeling and Sikkim hills of India

Darjeeling and Sikkim hills of India are well known for production of mandarin orange (Citrus reticulata). The recent spread of Citrus tristeza virus (CTV) has threatened the citrus cultivation in this region. During a survey in Darjeeling and Sikkim hills, pomelo trees were recorded as CTV free. Since pomelo trees did not show any disease appearance, a study was undertaken to ascertain whether they are resistant to CTV infection or resistant to aphid feeding or both. Toxoptera citricida, the most efficient aphid vector and which is abundantly present in this region, did not feed on pomelo when other Citrus species such as mandarin, kagzi lime and rough lemon were available. Additionally, CTV isolates of Darjeeling and Sikkim hills were not transmissible to pomelo either by T. citricida or grafting. We report for the first time that pomelo is resistant to isolates of CTV present in this region.