Prune Dwarf
Prune dwarf
36 host plants
Last updated
This profile contains verified disease data from extension databases. Regional field notes and expert review are in progress.
Prune dwarf virus causes abnormal leaf characteristics in sweet cherry, with leaves narrower and longer than normal. Infected trees show reduced vigor and productivity. Remove infected trees and replant with virus-tested stock. Control aphid vectors to prevent spread. This virus is best managed through prevention. Monitor your plants closely and implement integrated management strategies. Prompt removal of infected material helps limit disease spread.
Use virus-tested (and found to be free of all known viruses) bud wood and nursery stock. Establish new plantings some distance from older orchards.
Quick Reference
Management
Newly grafted and budded nursery trees are highly vulnerable to infection and show low bud-take (40-50% vs. 80-90% on healthy stock). Grafted trees from infected budwood show stunted growth. Mature, flowering trees are continuously vulnerable to pollen-transmitted infection during bloom periods. Hypersensitive rootstocks ('Krymsk 5', 'Krymsk 6') may show scion death. Young tree growth is reduced and canopy development delayed.
Symptoms develop as trees mature and begin flowering (typically 3-5 years post-infection from pollen). Infected sweet cherry leaves appear normal in color but are characteristically narrower and longer than healthy leaves. Blind wood (non-fruiting spurs) develops, particularly in trees 25+ years old. Fruit production is reduced and concentrated on the tree's exterior. Symptoms may be localized to one limb or section of the tree. Applying gibberellic acid can reverse blind wood development. Some rootstock/scion combinations show severe dwarfing.
Cultural Controls
- Use virus-tested (and found to be free of all known viruses) budwood and nursery stock. Propagate only from virus-free mother trees. Establish new plantings at distance from older PDV-infected orchards to reduce pollen-mediated transmission. In young newly infected orchards, rogue infected trees if they are few and detected early. In mature, extensively infected orchards, avoid extensive roguing as PDV is likely widespread. Apply gibberellic acid to infected trees to mitigate blind wood development. Select tolerant rootstocks; avoid hypersensitive rootstocks like 'Krymsk 5' and 'Krymsk 6'. Source: PNW Plant Disease Management Handbook