Introduction

 Lime is one of the most important and most economic horticulture products in south part of Iran. Iran global portion of lime production is near 40 %, which is cultivated in about 418000 acres. Hormozgan province, with 19100 acres of cultivated area and has owned about 50% of national production. The WBDL pathogen is a cell wall free prokaryote which is named “Phytoplasma”. In early stages of WBDL the leaves atrophy is observed and during 3-6 years the plant will be died.

In 1986, for the first time WBDL was appeared in Oman, afterwards, was observed in UAE, in 1989. The early researches in mentioned countries show that the first host might not lime and the pathogen has been transferred to lime via insects. The first appearance of WBDL in Iran was in Sistan & Balouchestan province in 1997, then after in 1998, was observed in Hormozgan province. During these years the number of infected trees is increased greatly. The number of infected trees in 1998 was 51 but unfortunately due to lack of sufficient controlling and convenient management, in 2005 the number of infected trees was increased to 117222, and has been predicted that this number will be increased up to 160000 in 2006.

Due to damaging assessment and gross estimate, during 1997- 2006, and the uncontrollable propagation of WBDL, if we could not find any proper treatment, the production of lime in Hormozgan province will reach zero (Max. in 10 years), and this means that the rural economy will be faced by danger. Therefore, due to importance of mentioned subject, the IWBDLN is established, and all national and international researchers are invited to present their fresh ideas and projects to control this disease. Is assured that your efforts in this regards will receive high appreciation and rewards. The contact address is as following:

Iranian Witches’ Broom Disease of Lime Network (IWBDLN)

Agricultural Biotechnology Research Institute of Iran

Mahdasht Road, Karaj, Iran

P. O. Box:31535-1897

Emai: iwbdln@abrii.ac.ir

Web site: www.iwbdln.ir

Tel:+98-261-2701138

Fax:+98-261-2704539