New mite invasions in citrus in the early years of the 21st century.

Several mite species commonly attack cultivated citrus around the world. Up to 104 phytophagous species have been reported causing damage to leaves, buds and fruits, but only a dozen can be considered major pests requiring control measures. In recent years, several species have expanded their geographical range primarily due to the great increase in trade and travel worldwide, representing a threat to agriculture in many countries. Three spider mite species (Acari: Tetranychidae) have recently invaded the citrus-growing areas in the Mediterranean region and Latin America. The Oriental red mite, Eutetranychus orientalis (Klein), presumably from the Near East, was detected in southern Spain in 2001. The Texas citrus mite, Eutetranychus banksi (McGregor), is widely distributed in North, Central and South America. It was first reported in Europe in 1999 on citrus in Portugal; afterwards the mite invaded the citrus orchards in southern Spain. In Latin America, the Hindustan citrus mite, Schizotetranychus hindustanicus (Hirst), previously known only from citrus and other host plants in India, was reported causing significant damage to citrus leaves and fruits in Zulia, northwest Venezuela, in the late 1990s. Later, this mite species spread to the southeast being detected on lemon trees in the state of Roraima in northern Brazil in 2008. Whereas damage levels, population dynamics and control measures are relatively well know in the case of Oriental red mite and Texas citrus mite, our knowledge of S. hindustanicus is noticeably scant. In the present paper, information on pest status, seasonal trends and natural enemies in invaded areas is provided for these species, together with morphological data useful for identification. Because invasive species may evolve during the invasion process, comparison of behavior, damage and management options between native and invaded areas for these species will be useful for understanding the invader's success and their ability to colonize new regions.

Pharmacological properties of citrus and their ancient and medieval uses in the Mediterranean region.

This paper reviews the pharmacological properties of Mediterranean-grown citrus species (Citrus L., Rutaceae), including citron (Citrus medica L.), lime (Citrus xauantiifolia [Christm.] Swingle), lemon (Citrus xlimon [L.] Osbeck), bitter orange (Citrus xaurantium L.) and pomelo (Citrus maxima [Burm.] Merr.), as referred to in ancient, medieval and 16th century sources. The virtues of the species reported in these texts were compared to those known to modern science. A much broader spectrum of pharmacological properties was recorded by these early writers than one might expect. The use of the citron and lemon as antidotes for 'poison and venom' is recorded in the very earliest material. According to modern scientific literature the citron and the bitter orange may possess anti-cancer activity, lime may have an immunomodulatory effect in humans, and the pomelo may be useful for treating circulatory problems. Lemons might even ease hangover symptoms. Research is required to confirm these properties.

[History and therapeutic evaluation of Citrus hassaku HORT. Tanaka].

The original plant of Citrus hassaku HORT. Tanaka was found at Jyoudo-Temple in Inno-shima, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan by Ekei Shounin in the Edo Era. Today, the fresh raw fruits of C. hassaku are cultivated as a seasonal food, and the most famous producing district of the C. hassaku fruit is Wakayama Prefecture, representing about 60% of the Japanese output. The immature fruits of C. hassaku and its three main flavanone glycosides (naringin, neohesperidin and narirutin) have shown inhibitory activities on a compound 48/80-induced histamine release from mast cells, and anti-allergic effects on dinitrofluorobenzen (DNFB)-induced triphasic skin reaction in mice. The contents of the three flavanone glycosides in the immature fruits were higher than those in mature fruits of C. hassaku to skin care for patients with atopitic dermatitis showed improving effects in 76% of the patients. Similar efficacy was obtained for patients with pollinosis.

Putrid gums and 'dead men's cloaths': James Lind aboard the Salisbury.

18th century sailors often suffered from scurvy. In 1747 James Lind conducted his classic experiments aboard the Salisbury, in which he cured scurvy with oranges and lemons. The Royal Navy did not introduce citrus rations until 1795. The original ship's papers allow the circumstances of the experiment to be reconstructed. The relevant patrol began in March 1747, and Lind's experiment began after 8 weeks at sea. The muster roll records almost no sickness aboard until the ship returned to Plymouth in June. This is at odds with Lind's account and suggests an antisickness official culture, which may have contributed to the neglect of his work.

El tratado sobre los críticos de Nicolás Monardes

Se ofrece por vez primera la traducción al castellano, con notas, de un texto poco conocido sobre lo cítricos del médico sevillano Nicolás Monardes, acompañándose ésta de la edición crítica del texto original en latín, cuya primera impresión se llevó a cabo en Sevilla hacia 1540. La importancia de este texto radica en que en él se señala ya el carácter híbrido de los cítricos, hecho no demostrado hasta finales del siglo XX (AU)