First report of plum pox potyvirus in the Azores, Portugal
In 1996, a survey has been carried out in the islands of Terceira and Graciosa, Azores (PT) on the phytosanitary status of stone fruit crops. DAS-ELISA tests were performed to determine the presence or absence of plum pox potyvirus (EPPO A2 quarantine pest), prune dwarf ilarvirus, prunus necrotic ringspot ilarvirus and apple chlorotic leaf spot trichovirus. It was not surprising to find some positive samples for prune dwarf ilarvirus, prunus necrotic ringspot ilarvirus and apple chlorotic leaf spot trichovirus, but the finding of plum pox potyvirus was an unexpected result. The virus was essentially detected in young plants, suggesting a recent introduction. It can be recalled that the disease was found for the first time in mainland Portugal in 1984. This is the first report of plum pox potyvirus in the Azores (Terceira and Graciosa).
Sources
Mendonça, D.; Lopes, M.S.; Laimer da Câmara Machado, M.; da Câmara Machado, A. (1997) Diagnosis of viral diseases in stone fruits cultivated in the Azorean islands Terceira and Graciosa.
Abstract of a paper presented at the ISHS XVII International Symposium on virus diseases of fruit trees, Bethesda, US, 1997-06-23/27, p 40.