Pest & Disease Apple mosaic

Apple mosaic

Ilarvirus

What is Apple Mosaic (Ilarvirus)?

Apple mosaic is a plant disease caused by multiple viruses, including Apple mosaic virus (ApMV) and Tulare apple mosaic virus (TAMV), which are primarily transmitted by aphids. Infected apple varieties develop pale yellow or white spots that turn brown, creating mosaic patterns on leaves, which may drop prematurely. This disease is widespread in apple-growing regions globally, with severe symptoms commonly observed in Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, and Jonathan apple varieties.

How does Apple Mosaic (Ilarvirus) occur?

Aphids are the primary transmission method for some viruses, such as Apple mosaic virus (ApMV), the primary transmission routes for other apple mosaic viruses can indeed include root grafting and infected propagation equipment. These viruses reproduce by entering host plant cells, replicating their RNA genome, and assembling new virus particles. They then spread within the plant through cell-to-cell movement and systemic spread, resulting in the characteristic symptoms of apple mosaic disease.

Symptoms

1 - Plant health

ApMV can cause symptoms such as mosaic patterns on leaves, stunting, distorted growth, and reduced fruit quality. These effects can weaken infected plants and impair their overall vigor.

2 - Yield reduction

Infected plants may experience reduced fruit yield, lower quality fruit, or complete crop loss, depending on the severity of the infection.

3 - Economic impact

The presence of ApMV can result in economic losses for farmers and orchard owners due to reduced marketable yield and the need for disease management measures.

Solutions

1 - Prevention and Control Measures

• Use virus-free plants obtained from reputable suppliers. • Practice good sanitation by disinfecting tools and equipment. • Remove and destroy infected trees to prevent further spread. • Implement pest control measures to manage insect vectors. • Monitor orchards regularly for early detection and prompt removal of infected trees. • Avoid planting apple trees in areas where infected trees were previously present.

2 - Cultural Practices

• Practice crop rotation to reduce the risk of reinfection. • Implement proper pruning techniques to promote tree health. • Ensure proper irrigation and nutrition to maintain tree vigor. • Create proper spacing between trees to improve airflow and reduce disease pressure.

4 - Genetic Resistance and Rootstock Selection

• Select apple varieties that are less sensitive to apple mosaic viruses. • Use resistant rootstocks that provide tolerance or resistance to viruses. • Consult with experts or extension services for information on virus-resistant varieties and rootstocks. • Consider genetic testing or screening of planting material for virus-free status.

Susceptible Species

Strawberry Tree

Common Paw Paw

Akane Apple

Ambrosia Apple

Belle de Boskoop Apple

Braeburn Apple

Candied Apple Flowering Crab

Chehalis Apple

Cortland Apple

Cox's Orange Pippin Apple

Dolgo Apple

Donald Wyman Flowering Crab

Elstar Apple

Gala Apple

Golden Delicious Apple

Golden Russet Apple

Granny Smith Apple

Gravenstein Apple

Honeycrisp Apple

Jonagold Apple

Jonathan Apple

Liberty Apple

Lodi Apple

Louisa Flowering Crab

Macintosh Apple

Melrose Apple

Norland Apple

Pink Lady Apple

Red Delicious Apple

Red Jewel Flowering Crab

Scarlet Pippin Apple

Sentinel Flowering Crab

Snowdrift Flowering Crab

Spartan Apple

Summerland Apple

Wealthy Apple

Yellow Transparent Apple

Zestar Apple

pineapple guava

apple serviceberry

apple serviceberry

pineapple

pineapple

variegated pineapple

custard apple

strawberry tree

star apple

pineapple broom

pricklyburr

argyle-apple

pineapple lily

pineapple lily

pineapple lily

pineapple lily

flowering crabapple

flowering crabapple

flowering crabapple

crabapple

apple

Siberian crabapple

flowering crabapple

flowering crabapple

crabapple

flowering crabapple

crabapple

apple

Japanese crabapple

crabapple

flowering crabapple

flowering crabapple

flowering crabapple

apple

dwarf apple

columnar apple

columnar apple

dwarf apple

Sargent crabapple

Sargent crabapple

flowering crabapple

crabapple

flowering crabapple

flowering crabapple

flowering crabapple

redbud crabapple

apple mint

may-apple

may-apple

may-apple

dappled willow

pineapple sage

pineapple sage

Malaysian apple

atlas broom

Royal Raindrops crabapple

European crabapple

pineapple weed

Cashew Nut

Pineapple

Smooth-barked apple

Pond Apple

Mountain Soursop

Custard Apple (Chirimoya - Cuba)

Golden Sugar Apple

Sugar Apple

Pineapple Broom

Pawpaw

Swallow-Wort

Cocky apple

Seven-year Apple

Dwarf Apple Blossom Tree

Apple Blossom Tree

Apple Blossom Tree

Pink Shower Tree

Palmilla

Night Blooming Cereus

Caimito

Copey

Desert Thorn Apple

Thorn Apple

Thorn Apple

Jimsonweed

Pineapple Orchid

Elephant Apple

Katmon

Velvet Apple

Gold Apple

Kei Apple

Argyle Apple

Pineapple Lily

Pineapple Lily

Pineapple Lily

Feijoa

Seven Year Apple

Pineapple Zamia

Sunsapote

Wood Apple

Osage Orange

Apple

Low Chill Apple

Mammee Apple

Pomme Jacquot

Balsam Apple

Bitter Melon

Mouse's Pineapple

Sweet Calabash

Bell Apple

Apple Leaf

Cocky Apple

Monkey Apple

Cinnamon Apple

Broadleaved Lucuma

Pineapple Sage

Pineapple Cactus

Cockroach berry

Kangaroo Apple

Tropical Soda Apple

Cork Tree

Gedabu

Water Cherry

Sea Apple

Rose apple

Malay Apple

Wild Rose Apple

Wax jamboo

Red Bush Apple

Adam's Apple

Eve's Apple

Wild Custard Apple

Elephant Apple

Apple

Water Apple

White Apple

Pineapple Guava