Appearance of plum pox virus in Portugal
An isolated focus of the disease was found in an apricot orchard in the South of the country. These trees, of cultivar “Canino”, had been imported from a nursery in Spain.
After having detected visible symptoms of infection on apricot fruits and stones, the pathogenic agent was identified by means of immunoelectro-microscopical techniques.
The·following control measures were taken:
- uprooting and destroying of infected plants and doubtful plants;
- strict health checking of trees located in the vicinity of infected trees;
- elimination of the vectors (aphids) and of host plants.
The orchard is under supervision by virologists of the General Directorate for Protection of Agricultural Production.
Sources
General Directorate for Protection of Agricultural Production