Metabolite profiling of Mexican lime (Citrus aurantifolia) leaves during the progression of witches’ broom disease

•Metabolite profiling of Mexican lime during the progression of WBDL.•Among 40 metabolites, 13 showed differences after inoculation with pathogen.•The ratio of proline to changed metabolites could be as biomarkers of WBDL in plant.•Infected by Ca. Phytoplasma aurantifolia, activate the defense response.