Plum Pox Virus
Also Known as Sharka or PPV A Devastating Viral Disease of Stone Fruit, Ornamental Shrubs and Trees from The Genus - Prunus Plum Pox Virus
Peaches Plums
Apricots Nectarines
Sweet & Tart Cherries
Almonds
Confirmed Locations of PPV in the United States
Symptoms Vary According To The Type and Severity of The Disease Strain Leaf Symptoms: – Vein Yellowing, Light Green or Yellow Rings, May Show Crinkling, Puckering, Curling Fruit Symptoms: – Ring Patterns, Blotches, Flesh Discoloration, Misshaped, Deformed Flower Symptoms: – Color Breaking or Streaking in Flowers of PPV Infected Peach Blossoms.
PPV Presence in Leaves
Deformed Fruit & Stones
PPV Present In Peach Blossoms
PPV Virus Symptoms May Not Show For 3 Years Disease Reduces Fruit Yield & Fruit Quality – Fruit Tastes Fine But Unappealing To The Eye Economic Impact To The Peach, Plum, Apricot Industry Worldwide - $600 Million Per Year
PPV Virus Six Strains of Virus Strain D - The Strain Found in North America This Strain Only Infects Peaches, Nectarines, Apricots, Plums, No Treatment - No Cure
Transmission & Spread Short Distance Spread Result of Aphid Transmission Several Aphid Species Can Transmit PPV – Northeastern US Concerned With Black Bean Aphid Spirea Aphid Black Peach Aphid Green Peach Aphid Long Distance Spread By Movement of Infected Plants or Plant Parts
How To Manage PPV Natural or Chemical Application May Reduce Aphid Numbers But Impossible To Entirely Control Aphid Population
Exclusion – Growers & Nursery Propagators Purchase Only Certified Virus Tested Plant Stock Detection – Testing of Leaf Samples Resistance – Plant Resistance Using Genetic Engineering Inserting PPV Gene Fragments Into Plum Trees To Gain High Resistance to PPV – In Early Experimental Stages Management of PPV
Tree Farms
Eradication Eradication Is The Most Successful Treatment Timely Removal Of Diseased Trees Once A Tree Is Confirmed To Be A Carrier Of PPV It Must Be Eliminated Stumps Must Also Be Treated Herbicides Used To Prevent Re-growth - Sucker Shoots
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