Articles
EPIDEMIOLOGY OF ASPARAGUS VIRUSES IN MICHIGAN ASPARAGUS
Article number
271_41
Pages
285 – 290
Language
Abstract
A number of viruses have been detected in asparagus plantings worldwide.
Among these, asparagus virus I (AV-I), a potyvirus, and asparagus virus II (AV-II), an ilarvirus, have been reported in the USA, Europe and the Orient.
The presence of either or both viruses has been associated with decline in field vigor and productivity, a decrease in rooting capacity and survival of asparagus in tissue culture, and an increase in susceptibility of asparagus to Fusarium crown and root rot.
Herein we report the findings of a 3-year study of the spread of AV-I and AV-II in a 5-year-old commercial asparagus planting in Oceana County, Michigan and correlative data on the affect of each virus on yield and vigor.
The pattern of distribution of each virus within the field was determined each spring by ordinary run analysis to be random.
From 1985 to 1987, there was a rapid decrease in the number of virus-free asparagus plants and a rapid increase in the number of singly and doubly-infected plants.
An index value, developed by Rutgers University and based on the number and size of stalks, was used to evaluate the effect of virus infection on productivity.
While double viral infection of asparagus did not significantly reduce the mean diameter or the number of stalks, the index value and thus predicted yield was significantly reduced.
Among these, asparagus virus I (AV-I), a potyvirus, and asparagus virus II (AV-II), an ilarvirus, have been reported in the USA, Europe and the Orient.
The presence of either or both viruses has been associated with decline in field vigor and productivity, a decrease in rooting capacity and survival of asparagus in tissue culture, and an increase in susceptibility of asparagus to Fusarium crown and root rot.
Herein we report the findings of a 3-year study of the spread of AV-I and AV-II in a 5-year-old commercial asparagus planting in Oceana County, Michigan and correlative data on the affect of each virus on yield and vigor.
The pattern of distribution of each virus within the field was determined each spring by ordinary run analysis to be random.
From 1985 to 1987, there was a rapid decrease in the number of virus-free asparagus plants and a rapid increase in the number of singly and doubly-infected plants.
An index value, developed by Rutgers University and based on the number and size of stalks, was used to evaluate the effect of virus infection on productivity.
While double viral infection of asparagus did not significantly reduce the mean diameter or the number of stalks, the index value and thus predicted yield was significantly reduced.
Publication
Authors
T.A. Evans, R.M. DeVries, T.L. Wacker, C.T. Stephens
Keywords
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