Pronunciation: [ˈɛskə] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "ESCA" follows the basic rules of English phonetics. It can be pronounced as /ˈɛskə/ with the stress on the first syllable. The letter "E" represents the short vowel sound /ɛ/ and the letter "S" is pronounced as /sk/. The letter "C" at the end of the word is silent, making the final sound /ə/. Overall, the spelling of "ESCA" is simple and easy to understand using IPA phonetic transcription.
ESCA is an acronym that stands for "Episodic Sterility in Cyprus dwarfing Mandarins caused by a strain of Citrus tristeza virus (CTV)." It refers to a viral disease that affects specific citrus tree species, particularly the Cyprus dwarfing mandarin, by causing episodic periods of sterility.
The acronym ESCA originated from recent scientific research focused on understanding the underlying causes and impact of this disease. The disease is primarily caused by a specific strain of the Citrus tristeza virus, which infects the phloem tissues of the affected trees. Episodic sterility refers to the phenomenon where the citrus tree experiences periods of inactive or unproductive reproductive cycles due to the infection.
ESCA predominantly affects citrus orchards, particularly those that cultivate the Cyprus dwarfing mandarin variety. Symptoms of this disease include malformed fruit, reduced fruit yields, and ultimately, periods of infertility. The disease can spread through various vectors, including aphids and other insects, as well as by grafting infected citrus tree material without proper treatment or inspection.
Controlling ESCA primarily involves employing various management techniques such as controlling insect vectors, regular pruning to remove infected plant material, and applying appropriate pesticides to limit the spread of the virus. It is also crucial to establish strict monitoring and surveillance programs to identify and remove infected trees promptly.
This definition provides a comprehensive understanding of ESCA, encompassing its acronym, causes, symptoms, transmission methods, and management techniques.
