Apricot is a new host ofApple scar skin viroid

Abstract

Apple scar skin viroid (ASSVd), a pathogenic RNA viroid, infects apple and pear trees. To determine if ASSVd can also infect apricot, we performed reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), spot hybridisation and in situ RT-PCR and detected ASSVd-specific sequences from apricot. We cloned and sequenced the apricot-derived ASSVd and registered it in GenBank. In situ RT-PCR further confirmed the existence of ASSVd in apricot leaf tissues. Our data indicate that apricot is a novel host of ASSVd. These findings provide the basis for the rapid identification of ASSVd in apricot.