Apple Mosaic Virus
HOSTS
- Apple
DESCRIPTION
Apple mosaic virus is spread only by grafting of diseased scion (buds, twigs, or roots) onto healthy stock. As such, it is not very common, and can easily be prevented. Infected trees are slow growing and produce low fruit yields. Leaves develop a distinctive, random pattern of chlorotic (yellow) tissue.
BIOLOGY
Apple mosaic virus is an uncommon and easily prevented disease that is spread by grafting of diseased scion (buds, twigs, or roots). It is the most wide-spread virus of the apple. It infects all kinds of apple in commerce.
DISEASE CYCLE
The virus is localized in leaf and shoot tissue, and does not spread by either insects or pollen.
SYMPTOMS
- Slow tree growth and low fruit yields
- Distinctive, random pattern of chlorosis (yellowing) on leaves
GENERAL MANAGEMENT
Plant virus-free varieties, and use virus-free grafting scion. Diseased trees do not need to be removed, but should not be used as a source for scion material.