Systematic survey of sharka in Slovenia from 1998 to 2005

Abstract

Sharka, caused by Plum pox potyvirus (PPV), is the most devastating viral diseases of stone fruits. In Slovenia the monitoring started in 1988. Due to the high incidence of PPV infection in nurseries a systematic survey of PPV was initiated in 1998 to prevent and control the spread of sharka. From 1998 to 2005 host plants were inspected and sampled in nurseries, stoolbeds and mother tree orchards, their buffer zones, endangered areas and import consignments. In the first three years of the systematic survey the presence of PPV was monitored also outside plant propagation material production sites and their buffer zones. The results showed an overall presence of PPV infection in all stone fruit producing areas. The incidence of sharka in nurseries, stoolbeds and mother tree orchards increased until 2001 and started to decrease in 2002. PPV was also detected in consignments of graftwood material in 2000 and 2001 and on imported plants for planting in 2003. Results of Slovene systematic survey indicate that it is possible to produce sharka free propagation material also in regions with high incidence of PPV if constant and intensive inspections, regular sampling and testing are performed and followed by eradication measures.