Incidence of Prune dwarf virus and Prunus necrotic ring spot virus in orchards of sweet and sour cherry in the Czech Republic: Short communication

Abstract

During 2006-2008 field surveys were carried out in the important cherry growing areas of the Czech Republic to assess the incidence of Prune dwarf virus and Prunus necrotic ring spot virus in commercial orchards and nurseries. A total of 1,438 samples from 1,198 sweet cherry trees and from 240 sour cherry trees were tested by ELISA for the presence of Prune dwarf virus and Prunus necrotic ring spot virus. The overall average infection level was 17.7%. The most infected species were sour cherry trees (22.5%). The most frequently detected virus was Prune dwarf virus (10.9%). Prunus necrotic ring spot virus occurred in 6.3% of samples. Our study provided an indication of a sanitary status of sweet and sour cherry in commercial orchards and nurseries in the Czech Republic.