First report of cherry necrotic rusty mottle virus in sweet cherries in Slovenia
In Slovenia, studies were conducted to detect the possible presence of robigoviruses. In May 2019, asymptomatic leaf samples were collected from 14 sweet cherry (Prunus avium) trees grown in 4 locations in Central Slovenia and 1 location in Eastern Slovenia. Molecular tests (PCR, sequencing) confirmed the presence of cherry necrotic rusty mottle virus (Robigovirus, CNRMV - formerly EPPO A2 List) in 4 samples taken from a collection orchard in Central Slovenia. This is the first time that CNRMV is reported from Slovenia. It is noted that as CNRMV can cause yield and growth reduction, bark necrosis, reduced bud break and angular chlorotic spots on leaves of sweet cherry, further studies should be conducted to evaluate the presence of the virus in Slovenia and to minimize its spread.
Sources
Viršček Marn M, Mavrič Pleško I, Beber A (2021) First report of cherry necrotic rusty mottle virus in sweet cherries in Slovenia. Journal of Plant Pathology 103, 1035–1036. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42161-021-00846-w