Typing of Plum pox virus strains in Cyprus
In Cyprus, Plum pox virus (Potyvirus, PPV – EPPO A2 List) was first detected in 1982 in the western part of the island on apricots (Prunus armeniaca), peaches (P. persica) and plums (P. domestica). At that time, and until recently, only PPV-M was detected. During 2004-2005, a survey was conducted in the main stone fruit producing areas of Cyprus. A total of 72 leaf samples were collected from peach, apricot and plum trees (symptomatic or asymptomatic) from the areas of Agros, Kyperounda, Galata, Pera, Psimolophou, Akchelia and Avdimou, and tested by ELISA and RT-PCR. Out of the 72 tested samples, 42 were found positive (88% apricot, 75% plum and 73% peach trees). Results also showed that PPV-M was the predominant strain. However, PPV-D was detected for the first time in Cyprus on peach samples from the area of Agros.
The situation of Plum pox virus in Cyprus can be described as follows: Present, found in the main stone fruit producing areas, both PPV-M and PPV-D are detected.
Sources
Papayiannis LC, Kyriakou A, Kapari-Isaia T (2007) Typing of Plum pox virus (PPV) strains in Cyprus. Australasian Plant Disease Notes 2(1), 29-30. http://www.publish.csiro.au/journals/apdn