The hypersensitivity of European plum against Plum pox virus (PPV) as a promising mechanism of resistance

Abstract

The phenotype of hypersensitivity of European plum (Prunus domestica) against Plum pox virus (PPV) was described based on the observation of more than 1150 seedlings derived from 25 different crossing combinations with at least one hypersensitive parent. Hypersensitivity was found to be a quantitative trait. Those genotypes classified as extremely hypersensitive cannot be naturally infected with PPV. They are of great pomological value. Histological investigations revealed the characteristics of hypersensitivity of European plum against PPV. These results are based on inoculation experiments with PPV-Dand -M-strain.