New strain of Plum Pox Virus in Canada

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is reporting that a new strain of Plum Pox Virus (PPV, Potyvirus) was discovered during the 2008 surveys for this pathogen in Canada. The strain, PPV-rec, had previously been found only in Europe. The discovery was made on plum rootstocks with grafted apricot, peach and plum branches, by an Ontario homeowner surveying the trees. It is thought to be an isolated occurrence. Scientists are working to determine the host range of this new strain and whether it can be transmitted by aphids, but the find is believed to be an isolated occurrence. More information is available at the CFIA's Plum Pox Virus page.

Pennsylvania and parts of Canada have also had outbreaks of PPV over the past several years, but the virus has not yet been found in New England. For more information about PPV, check out the fact sheet on the MIPOP website.

Plum Pox Virus in New York

Plum pox virus (PPV) has been discovered once again in New York, this time in Wayne County. This marks the third year in a row that the virus, which can impact plum, peach, apricot and other stone fruits, has been found in that state. State agricultural officials have places a one mile quarantine zone around the orchard where the infected trees were located. The discovery was during a statewide PPV survey undertaken by the New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets and the USDA.

Pennsylvania and parts of Canada have also had outbreaks of PPV over the past several years, but the virus has not yet been found in New England. For more information about PPV, check out our fact sheet on the MIPOP website.

Plum Pox Virus Fact Sheet

A brand new fact sheet on Plum Pox Virus (Potyviridae sp.) has been added to our Fact Sheet page. Thanks to everyone who offered constructive criticism on the earlier drafts, and to the photographers who kindly gave permission for their photos to be used for our outreach efforts.

Plum Pox Virus (PPV) has not yet been found in Massachusetts, but has been recorded in Pennsylvania, and was discovered in New York and Michigan in 2006.