Citrus Taxonomy, Diseases, and Propagation - Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering key Citrus-related terms: taxonomy (order, family, genus, species), major Citrus species, important rootstocks, common pests and diseases (leaf miner, canker, anthracnose), and molecular diagnostic tools (PCR).

Citrus (genus)

A genus in the Rutaceae family that includes common citrus fruits such as lemon, lime, orange, grapefruit, and mandarin.

Rutaceae (family)

The plant family that contains citrus and related genera; commonly known as the citrus family.

Geraniales (order)

A plant order cited in the notes as the higher taxonomic grouping associated with citrus-related taxa.

Poncirus trifoliate (trifoliate orange)

A hardy citrus relative with trifoliate leaves; often discussed in relation to rootstock and citrus breeding.

Fortunella (kumquat)

A genus historically associated with citrus relatives; kumquats sometimes discussed in citrus taxonomy contexts.

Citrus medica (citron)

A species of citrus known for its thick rind and aromatic fruit, historically used in flavoring and perfumery.

Citrus limon (lemon)

A widely cultivated citrus species producing yellow acidic fruit used for juice and zest.

Citrus sinensis (sweet orange)

The primary species producing sweet oranges; a key citrus fruit in global agriculture.

Citrus paradisi (grapefruit)

A citrus species resulting from hybridization; produces large, tangy fruit.

Citrus maxima (pomelo)

The largest citrus fruit; native to Southeast Asia and a major ancestral species for some Citrus hybrids.

Citrus aurantium (bitter orange)

A citrus species known for its bitter fruit; used in flavorings and in some traditional medicines.

Citrus aurantifolia (lime, Key lime)

A lime species, often used for fresh juice; known for small fruit and strong aroma.

Citrus latifolia (Persian lime)

A seedless lime variety commonly grown for fresh consumption and juice.

Citrus limetta (sweet lime)

A lime-type citrus commonly referred to as sweet lime or lemon-lime; used for juice.

Citrus × limon x Citrus sinensis (hybrid concepts)

Hybridization concepts between major citrus species (illustrating interspecific crosses in taxonomy notes).

Citrus leaf miner (Phyllocnistis citrella)

An insect pest whose larvae mine leaves, causing curling and stippling on new citrus growth.

Phyllocnistis citrella (Citrus leaf miner)

The scientific name of the citrus leaf miner pest described as a threat to new shoots.

Citrus canker (Xanthomonas citri)

A disease caused by the bacterium Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri, producing cankers on leaves and fruit.

Xanthomonas citri (bacterium)

The bacterial pathogen responsible for citrus canker, a major citrus disease.

Citrus canker (disease)

A serious disease of citrus caused by Xanthomonas citri, characterized by lesions on leaves, stems, and fruit.

Citrus anthracnose (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides)

A fungal disease caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides leading to fruit and leaf blemishes on citrus.

Colletotrichum gloeosporioides

Fungal pathogen causing citrus anthracnose and other plant diseases.

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)

A molecular technique used to amplify DNA sequences for detection and identification of pathogens or genes.

Transpiration

The process of water loss from plant leaves through stomata, an essential part of the plant water cycle.

Indigenous

Native to a particular region; originating in the local or original habitat.

Citrus fruit tree

A general term for a tree in the Citrus genus that bears citrus fruits.

Citrus latifolia (Persian/Lime)

A seedless lime variety often marketed as Persian lime; widely used in juice and fresh eating.

Citrus limetta (Sweet lime)

A sweet lime variety used primarily for juice and culinary flavoring.

Citrus aurantifolia (Key lime)

A lime species known for its small fruit and distinctive aroma; important in culinary uses.

Pomelo (Citrus maxima)

The largest citrus fruit, foundational in many citrus breeding programs.

Citron (Citrus medica)

A citrus species with a thick rind and aromatic peel; a primitive citrus in many taxonomies.

Persian lime (Citrus latifolia)

Another name for the seedless lime variety widely used in commerce.

Sweet lime / acid lime

Common names used for certain lime-type Citrus; sweet lime generally refers to Citrus limetta in notes.

Citrus taxonomy (Order, Family, Genus, Species)

The hierarchical classification scheme used to organize Citrus and their relatives: Order (Geraniales), Family (Rutaceae), Genus (Citrus), Species (e.g., limon, sinensis).