Serological Detection of a Virus in Cherry Trees with a Leaf Roll Disease

Abstract

LEAF roll virus disease of sweet cherry (Prunus avium)^1,2 has been identified (by graft-transmission to indicator plants) in eight orchards in Kent and one in Worcestershire. Six of these outbreaks have been investigated further, and in each of them the same virus was isolated from infected trees. When buds or young leaves were macerated in 0.05 M phosphate buffer (pH 7.8) or 0.01 M sodium diethyl-dithiocarbamate solutions and rubbed on to the leaves of young herbaceous plants, chlorotic and necrotic spots, rings and lines developed on the leaves of tobacco (var. White Burley), while Chenopodium amaranticolor plants were stunted, with mottled and distorted leaves. The virus was also transmitted by sap inoculation from tobacco to Prunus avium and P. Pennsylvania seedlings, and from Prunus avium to P. pennsylvanica.