First report and eradication of American plum line pattern virus in the United Kingdom
The NPPO of the United Kingdom recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first finding of American plum line pattern virus (Ilarvirus APLPV – EPPO A1 List) on its territory.
Samples were taken from a cherry tree (Prunus sp.) showing generic virus symptoms which was located on the edge of a small urban wooded area in North Yorkshire (England). The survey and testing were undertaken as part a research project to develop genomic diagnostic methods for different pathogens. The tree was sampled on two occasions in 2023 and 2024, and the samples were tested by High Throughput Sequencing (HTS) along with other similar samples in November 2025. APLPV was detected in the sample of the Prunus sp. and official measures were taken to destroy the tree. No other symptomatic hosts were identified in the area.
The status of American plum line pattern virus in the United Kingdom is officially declared as: Absent: pest eradicated.
Sources
* NPPO of the United Kingdom (2026-03).