X-Disease
Candidatus Phytoplasma pruni
37 host plants
Last updated
This profile synthesizes data from multiple published sources. Expert field review is in progress.
Leaves show mottling and ringspot patterns on stone fruits while fruit becomes small and unmarketable. This virus spreads by leafhoppers and root grafting between adjacent trees. Use certified virus-free stock and control leafhopper populations.
Remember the grower mantra, "When in doubt, cut it out." Aggressive scouting, sampling, and tree removal is critical for slowing spread of little cherry diseases. Establish new orchards only with nursery stock tested and found to be free of all known viruses and phytoplasmas.
Quick Reference
Management
Sample fruit stems/woody tissue starting one week before harvest for optimal detection. Leafhoppers most active in spring and late summer through fall.
Phytoplasma overwinters in roots and recolonizes aerial portions seasonally. Cold spring temperatures can suppress symptom expression. Infected trees may not show symptoms for two years but remain inoculum sources.