Cherry Twisted Leaf
Cherry twisted leaf-associated virus
36 host plants
Last updated
This profile contains verified disease data from extension databases. Regional field notes and expert review are in progress.
Cherry twisted leaf virus causes leaf distortion and chlorosis on cherry foliage. You notice abnormal leaf shape, twisting, and yellowing. The virus affects tree vigor and production. Control through removal of infected trees and prevention of grafting with contaminated plant material.
Remove infected trees. Remove wild cherry trees from around the orchard. Remove infected material promptly and improve growing conditions to limit pathogen spread. Good sanitation, adequate spacing, and proper irrigation practices reduce disease pressure over time.
Quick Reference
Management
Infection occurs at propagation stage via infected budwood or scion. New infections from grafting become apparent the following spring when symptomatic leaf emergence occurs (April-May). Once infected, trees show symptoms annually throughout their lifetime. Spread within the orchard is typically slow compared to other cherry viruses. Disease is most economically significant in mature trees where branch die-back and vigor loss accumulate. Source: PNW Plant Disease Management Handbook
Symptom development depends on cherry cultivar susceptibility. Bing and Rainier are highly susceptible, showing characteristic twisted-leaf symptoms each year. Western chokecherry also shows susceptibility. Symptom severity varies annually and tends to be more pronounced in older trees of medium vigor. Environmental stress may influence symptom expression. Apricot Ring Pox (same virus) causes different symptoms in apricot hosts. Source: PNW Plant Disease Management Handbook
Cultural Controls
- Remove infected trees.
- Remove wild cherry trees from around the orchard.
- Plant trees certified as virus-tested (and found to be free of all known viruses).
- Reference Villamor, D.E.V., Susaimuthu, J., and Eastwell, K.C. 2015.
- Genomic analyses of cherry rusty mottle group and cherry twisted leaf-associated viruses reveal a possible new genus within the family Betaflexiviridae.
- Phytopathology 105:399-408.