The Response of Different Prunus genotypes to D and Rec Strains of Plum Pox Virus

Abstract

Abstract. Three genotypes of Prunus (Mirobolan BN 4Kr – a mutant of Prunus cerasifera , Local de Dragasani – a selection of Prunus insititia , and Cacanska Najbolia cv. - Prunus domestica ) were evaluated for PPV resistance based on their response to PPV-D and PPV-Rec strains, after inoculation by budding. Both PPV-D and PPV-Rec strains were translocated from the inoculum buds to Myrobolan BN 4Kr but the virus was able to induce only a limited infection, indicating a possible inhibition of virus replication. The response of Local de Dragasani to inoculation with the two PPV strains revealed a typical hypersensitivity reaction which could be a promising natural resistance source to PPV. The infection with both D and Rec strains became systemic in Cacanska Najbolia and no evidence of an effective inhibition of virus replication. Keywords : plum, resistance, hypersensitivity, strains, PPV- D, PPV-Rec. INTRODUCTION Plum pox virus (PPV) is the causal agent of Sharka, one of the most devastating diseases of