Cherry Mottle Leaf
Cherry mottle leaf virus
4 host plants
Last updated
This profile synthesizes data from multiple published sources. Expert field review is in progress.
Cherry mottle leaf shows pale mottling and distorted foliage on infected cherry trees. You see reduced vigor and potentially reduced fruit production. The virus causes foliar symptoms but some cherry trees may tolerate infection. Manage susceptible trees by removal if virus burden affects productivity.
Plant virus-indexed (and found to be free of all known viruses) trees. Remove trees showing severe symptoms.
Quick Reference
Management
Infection occurs at propagation stage when infected scion or budwood is used in grafting. Newly infected young trees show symptoms starting in spring after leaf emergence (April-May). Once established, trees remain infected for life with symptoms appearing annually. Peak symptom visibility occurs mid-growing season (June-July) as leaf distortion increases. Flowering cherry, peach, and apricot are also susceptible hosts. Source: PNW Plant Disease Management Handbook
Symptom development depends on cherry cultivar and virus strain. Susceptible cultivars (Bing, Celeste, Corum, Lapins, Sweetheart) show severe symptoms including mottling and leaf distortion early in the growing season. Symptom severity increases as season progresses. Less susceptible cultivars display the same symptoms but with reduced severity. Tree stress and age may influence symptom expression. Source: PNW Plant Disease Management Handbook
Cultural Controls
- Plant virus-indexed (and found to be free of all known viruses) trees.
- Remove trees showing severe symptoms.
- They will never be profitable.
- Remove wild cherry trees from around the orchard.
- References Hadidi, A., Barba, M., Candresse, T. and Jelkmann, W. 2011.
- Virus and Virus-like Diseases of Pome and Stone Fruits.