Citrus canker
NT declared free of citrus canker
The Northern Territory (NT) has been declared free of citrus canker. You can now plant and move citrus plants in the NT.
From 12 April 2021, movement restrictions will no longer apply in Katherine and the greater Darwin areas.
Intrastate and interstate trade of citrus plants and plant material can resume to normal checks.
You should still check your plants and report any signs of the disease.
Citrus canker is a contagious plant disease that affects the health of plants including:
- lemon
- lime
- mandarin
- pomelo
- grapefruit
- some native species.
Check for the disease
Infected plants display lesions that can form on leaves, fruit and stems.
The lesions increase in size to 5-10 millimetres (mm) over several months.
Eventually the lesions collapse forming a crater-like appearance. They become surrounded by characteristic yellow halos. The raised edges of the lesion may appear slimy.
Plants with the disease may have sluggish growth and reduced fruit quality and quantity.
In severe cases infected plants will die.
Plants that can get the disease
Citrus canker can infect all citrus plants and some other species. Get a full list of potential host plants.
How it spreads
Citrus canker can be spread by:
- wind and rain
- landscaping equipment
- people through hands, clothing, or equipment
- infected or exposed plants or plant parts.
Increased risk in the wet season
There is a greater risk of citrus canker spreading during the wet season due to increased rain and wind.
Citrus canker symptoms are also more common after heavy rain and high temperatures.
It is important to check your plants during the wet season and report any changes.
Storms may also interrupt the work of plant health inspectors in removing plants from properties in restricted areas.
More information
Find out more about citrus canker on the Plant Health Australia website.
Fact sheets
Information in other languages
- What is citrus canker: Chinese PDF (1.4 MB)
- What is citrus canker: Greek PDF (1.4 MB)
- What is citrus canker: Filipino PDF (1.4 MB)
- What is citrus canker: Nepalese PDF (1.3 MB).
Contact
Contact the Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade by:
- calling or texting 0436 643 470
- emailing citruscanker@nt.gov.au
- submitting an online report.
Last updated: 12 April 2021
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