Virus-induced Cherry Decline
Cherry leafroll virus (CLRV); complex with prune dwarf virus, Prunus necrotic...
36 host plants
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This profile synthesizes data from multiple published sources. Expert field review is in progress.
Sweet cherry trees decline rapidly with early defoliation, dieback of young shoots, and blind wood when infected with cherry leafroll virus alone or combined with other Prunus viruses. Disease spreads via root grafts. Use virus-tested stock and resistant rootstocks like 'Colt'. Rogue infected trees immediately and treat stumps with herbicide. The disease has spread quickly in eastern Washington orchards.
Use only planting material certified as virus-tested and found to be free of all known viruses. Prevent secondary spread via root grafts by using a resistant/tolerant rootstock such as 'Colt' or 'Krymsk 5'.
Quick Reference
Management
Newly grafted trees with susceptible scion/rootstock combinations (e.g., 'Bing' on 'Colt' or 'Gisela 6') are highly vulnerable. Root-grafted trees in contact with infected neighboring trees are vulnerable to transmission during the entire growing season. Mature, established orchards with extensive root-grafting systems are continuously vulnerable to spread of the virus. Hypersensitive rootstock/scion combinations may show rapid tree death. Multiple virus co-infections rapidly accelerate orchard decline.
Alone, CLRV causes delayed flowering, heavy fruit set that matures late and ripens poorly, producing small, light-colored unmarketable fruit. Early leaf drop occurs shortly after bloom, creating a sparse, open canopy. Young shoots die back over winter with many buds failing to develop (blind wood). When combined with PDV, leaves develop enations (ridge-like growths) along the midrib resembling rugose disease. With PNRSV or APLPV, tree decline accelerates with rapid dieback of young growth and severe blind wood. Midsummer defoliation combined with multiple viruses leads to severe tree weakening and death within 3-5 years.
Cultural Controls
- Use only virus-tested (and found to be free of all known viruses) planting and propagation material. Use both virus-indexed budwood and virus-certified rootstock. Remove and destroy infected trees to prevent spread via root grafts. Avoid planting susceptible scion/rootstock combinations (e.g., 'Bing' on 'Colt' or 'Gisela 6'). Maintain orchard isolation to prevent pollen-mediated transmission of associated viruses. Test new plantings for all known Prunus viruses. Source: PNW Plant Disease Management Handbook; WSU HortSense; Hadidi et al. 2011