PROBLEMS OF VIRUS DISEASES OF DECIDUOUS FRUIT TREES IN GREECE

Research on virus diseases of deciduous fruit trees in Greece started in the 1960’s.
From research work carried out until now, the following virus and virus-like diseases have been found in different species of fruit trees:

Stone fruits:

1. Plum pox (sharka) : in peach, plum and apricot.
   It is the most severe problem.

2. Prunus necrotic ring spot: in peach, cherry, almond and apricot.

3. Apricot chlorotic leafroll: in peach, apricot and Japanese plum.

Apple:

1. Apple proliferation (apple witch’s broom) : some apple cultivars.
   The variety Abbodanza has been proven very sensitive.

2. Apple mosaic: in some apple varieties.

3. Different latent viruses (Apple spy epinasty and decline, apple chlorotic leaf spot, apple stem pitting, apple flat limb).

Pear:

1. Pear vein yellows: in many varieties.

2. Pear ring pattern mosaic: in some varieties.

For the control of plum pox virus, a research program is under way for selection and breeding resistant and tolerant varieties.
The research for controlling other viruses and mycoplasmas is oriented towards selection and conservation of virus-free propagation material.

XIV International Symposium on Fruit Tree Virus Diseases

G.D. Syrgianidis

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.1989.235.1