First report of Plum pox virus in Israel
The NPPO of Israel recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first record of Plum pox virus (Potyvirus, PPV – EPPO A2 List) on its territory. In April 2013, PPV was found on apricot and plum (Prunus armeniaca, P. domestica) in 2 small commercial orchards (2.6 ha in total, density of 500 trees/ha) at Zichron Yaakov. Unusual symptoms had been noticed by the grower. Laboratory studies (ELISA, RT-PCR, TaqMan RT-PCR and sequencing) confirmed the presence of PPV-D in diseased trees. Eradication measures were taken. Both orchards were uprooted and burnt. All trees within a radius of 500 m around any infected tree were tested (ELISA and TaqMan RT-PCR). A plan of action to continue surveying all surrounding areas and nurseries was developed and is being implemented.
The pest status of Plum pox virus in Israel is officially declared as: Isolated finding, under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of Israel (2013-12).