First report of American plum line pattern virus in the Netherlands
The NPPO of the Netherlands recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first finding of American plum line pattern virus (Ilarvirus APLPV, APLPV – EPPO A1 List) on its territory.
APLPV was detected in two different reference collections of Prunus trees grown in the open air. This plant material is maintained by the NPPO of the Netherlands as a collection of Prunus viruses which can be used as positive controls e.g. for test development or proficiency testing. The identity of APLPV was confirmed on 30 May 2024 by the National Reference Laboratory. In one of these reference collections, two Prunus trees of approximately 10 years old (Prunus x yedoensis and Prunus serrulata) were found to be infected. Fourteen other Prunus trees in the same and neighbouring row tested negative for APLPV, based on individual sampling and testing of each tree. In the other reference collection, 9 Prunus trees (1 Prunus subhirtella, 2 Prunus x yedoensis, 5 Prunus avium and 1 Prunus serrulata) were found to be infected. This collection was tested as its trees are clonally linked to those of the other collection.
The source of the outbreak is unknown, but it is considered that the virus may have been present in some of the accessions or clonal lines since the 1960s. No typical symptoms were observed on the trees. Infected trees will be destroyed. Neighbouring trees that tested negative, will again be tested in 2025.
The pest status of American plum line pattern virus in the Netherlands is officially declared as: Present, localized, under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of the Netherlands (2024-06).