Citrus CankerIdentification & Treatment Guide 2026
Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri · Family: Xanthomonadaceae
Citrus canker (Xanthomonas citri) causes raised, rough, crater-like lesions with yellow halos on citrus leaves, fruit, and twigs. Spread by wind-driven rain and contaminated tools. Manage with copper sprays during flush growth, windbreaks, tool sanitation, and resistant rootstocks. Canker-affected fruit is safe to eat but unmarketable.
Scan This Plant NowQuick Diagnosis
highCitrus Canker
- Affects
- leavesfruittwigs
- Peak Season
- Warm wet weather (25-35°C), rainy season, especially during new leaf flush periods
- Spread Risk
- Fast
- Spread By
- Wind-driven rain (primary), contaminated tools and equipment, infected nursery stock, human movement of plant material
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Symptoms: What does Citrus Canker look like?
Visual identification guide — tap each stage for details
Small raised blisters on leaves
Tiny (1-2 mm) raised, blister-like spots appear on young leaves. Spots are slightly raised and may have a water-soaked margin.
Corky raised lesions with yellow halos
Spots enlarge to 3-5 mm, becoming raised, rough, and crater-like with a corky texture. A characteristic yellow (chlorotic) halo surrounds each lesion. Lesions visible on both leaf surfaces.
Premature fruit drop and twig dieback
Fruit develops similar raised corky lesions causing blemish and premature drop. Severely infected twigs show dieback. Heavy infections cause defoliation and reduce tree vigor over successive seasons.
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