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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Corvallis, Oregon » Horticultural Crops Research Unit » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #264094

Title: Two new virus diseases in Rubus: Blackberry yellow vein and raspberry crumbly fruit

Author
item TZANETAKIS, I - University Of Arkansas
item QUITO, D - Oregon State University
item Martin, Robert

Submitted to: Popular Publication
Publication Type: Popular Publication
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/10/2011
Publication Date: 5/2/2011
Citation: Tzanetakis, I.E., Quito, D., Martin, R.R. 2011. Two new virus diseases in Rubus: Blackberry yellow vein and raspberry crumbly fruit. Small Fruit News.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Blackberry production area has increased dramatically in the Southeast in recent years with the release of new cultivars suitable for the region and due to elevated customer demand for high quality fruit, which has led to high prices enjoyed by the growers. As in almost all cases where a crop is introduced or expands to new areas, problems follow. In this case, the problem is blackberry yellow vein disease (BYVD), a disease previously thought to be caused by Tobacco ringspot virus (TRSV). We now know this disease is caused by a complex of viruses. The virus complex varies from state to state, but Blackberry yellow vein associated viurs, a crinivirus, is present in all complexes, though in single infections it is symptomless. In the Pacific Northwest, 'Meeker' is particularly susceptible to crumbly fruit, a virus-induced disease that is now widespread, especially in northern Washington and British Columbia but also present in other areas where raspberries are grown. The disease produces drupelet abortion, which causes the fruit to crumble when picked, affecting fruit quality and reducing yield. The disease was attributed to Raspberry bushy dwarf virus (RBDV), a pollen and seed transmitted virus. Studies have shown that entire fields may become infected with RBDV within 3-5 years of planting. Although RBDV has become common in southern Washington and Oregon, crumbly fruit is not as prevalent. The large raspberry aphid (Amphorophora agathonica) is found in much higher populations in production areas in northern Washington and British Columbia. These observations suggested that there may be other virus(es) transmitted by aphids, which act synergistically with RBDV to cause the severe crumbly fruit disease. A recent virus survey conducted in northern Washington revealed the presence of three additional viruses that are aphid transmitted and very common in northern Washington and British Columbia, and in low incidence in southern Washington and Oregon.