@article{Zhu2026, 
author = {Guanya Zhu and Xinyue Xu and Cunyue Xu and Jun Ding and Huihong Liao and Nina Wang and Yanxiao Huang and Zhongjie Yuan and Chengxiao Hu and Qichun Huang},
title = {Effects of Citrus tristeza virus and Citrus yellow vein clearing virus infection on Orah mandarin (Citrus reticulata): an integrated pathogen-metabolite-microbiome study},
year = {2026},
journal = {Horticultural Plant Journal},
volume = {12},
number = {9},
pages = {2092-2102},
keywords = {Citrus viral diseases, Citrus yellow vein clearing virus, Citrus tristeza virus, Co-infection of multiple viruses, Carotenoid metabolism, Microbiome},
url = {https://www.sciopen.com/article/10.1016/j.hpj.2025.05.004},
doi = {10.1016/j.hpj.2025.05.004},
abstract = {Citrus viral diseases negatively impact both tree health and fruit quality, posing a major challenge to citrus production. In recent years, mixed infections of multiple viruses have become more common, reducing yield and fruit quality while complicating control efforts, thus hindering the industry's stable development. Thus, systematic research on citrus viral disease is essential for the sustainable development of the citrus industry. In this study, Orah mandarin trees with visible disease symptoms were selected as the virus-infected group (WTCK). The analysis revealed marked decreases in key fruit attributes: a 41.18% reduction in color index, a 21.57% drop in fruit weight, as well as reductions in fruit size, sugar concentration, and seed weight. Evaluation of tree vigor also indicated substantial declines in essential growth metrics, including height and stem diameter, among infected trees. Viral detection confirmed infections by Citrus tristeza virus (CTV) and Citrus yellow vein clearing virus (CYVCV), with tristeza virus exerting a predominant impact. In analyzing carotenoid metabolism, virus infection was found to markedly disrupt normal carotenoid expression in the peel, with 22 metabolites typically abundant in healthy peels exhibiting irregular expression in infected samples. While microbial diversity in rhizosphere microflora remained largely unchanged, distinctions emerged in the community composition of proteobacteria and acidobacteria between sample groups. These findings suggest that CTV primarily disrupts carotenoid metabolism, with comparatively minor effects on rhizosphere microflora. This study highlights the detrimental impact of CTV and CYVCV co-infection on both fruit quality and tree growth, emphasizing the necessity of virus-free seedlings and integrated disease management strategies. It is essential for growers, researchers, and industry stakeholders to prioritize the prevention and control of these diseases to ensure the long-term sustainability of the citrus industry.}
}