First report of Plum pox virus in Japan
In spring 2009, Plum pox virus (Potyvirus, PPV – EPPO A2 List) was detected for the first time in Japan. Symptomatic trees (ringspots on leaves, flower breaking) were observed in Japanese apricot orchards (Prunus mume) in Ome City (Prefecture of Tokyo) and the virus was detected in petal samples collected from these orchards. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and prefectural governments conducted a nationwide detection survey for PPV in 2009. PPV was only found in P. mume in the following prefectures:
- Tokyo (several orchards in the cities/towns of Ome, Akiruno, Hachioji, Hinode and Okutama)
- Ibaraki (1 orchard in the city of Mito)
- Kanagawa (1 orchard in the city of Odawara),
Eradication measures are being implemented (e.g. destruction of all infested trees, prohibition to move host plant material from demarcated areas). Surveys on PPV are continuing in Japan.
The pest status of Plum pox virus in Japan is officially declared as: Present, under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of Japan (2010-02). Official pest report. http://www.pps.go.jp/english/pestreport/index.html