VIRUSES INVOLVED IN STRAWBERRY DECLINE IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST

Authors: Martin, Robert; TZANETAKIS, I - OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY

Submitted to: Proceedings of the Lower Mainland Horticultural Improvement Association
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/17/2005
Publication Date: 4/25/2005
Citation: Martin, R.R., Tzanetakis, I.E. 2005. Viruses involved in strawberry decline in the pacific northwest. Proceedings of the Lower Mainland Horticultural Improvement Association. 47:49-52.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: In British Columbia, the majority of the plants (close to 100%) were found to be infected with Strawberry mild yellow edge virus (SMYEV), Strawberry mottle virus (SMoV), Strawberry crinkle virus (SCV) and Strawberry vein banding virus (SVBV) while the whitefly-transmitted viruses were very rare. The incidence of whitefly-transmitted viruses in California was lower in 2004 probably due to grower awareness and whitefly control efforts. In 2003 and 2004, we also identified decline in strawberries in Oregon, though not as widespread as it is in northern Washington and British Columbia. Since the 2002 growing seasons, strawberry plants in coastal California, northern Washington and British Columbia have developed symptoms of leaf reddening, stunting and plant death. Up to five viruses were identified in declining plants in these areas. In California, the majority of the plants (75%) were infected with Strawberry pallidosis associated and Beet pseudo-yellows viruses, the two criniviruses that infect strawberry while the aphid-borne viruses, SMYEV, SMoV and SCV viruses were found in 20-25% of the plants. The presence of two viruses thought not to occur in the United States and Canada, Strawberry latent ringspot and Fragaria chiloensis latent viruses were identified in California and British Columbia.