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A survey of key Australian pome fruit growing districts for exotic and endemic pathogens

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Abstract

A survey of key Australian pome fruit growing districts for 11 quarantinable pathogens was conducted using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and PCR methods. The targeted exotic organisms included two bacteria, two phytoplasmas, four viroids and three viruses. Except for Pear blister canker viroid, which has been previously reported in Australia, no other exotic pathogen was detected. RT-PCR assays were also used to detect four endemic viruses, Apple stem pitting virus, Apple stem grooving virus, Apple chlorotic leafspot virus and Apple mosaic virus. The results showed that each virus is widespread in Australia and that many pome fruit trees are infected with a combination of two or more virus species. The results also indicated that genetic variation occurs between strains of Apple stem pitting virus and strains of Apple stem grooving virus

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Primary Industries, 621 Burwood Highway, 3180, Knoxfield, Vic, Australia

    F. E. Constable & B. C. Rodoni

  2. Bureau of Sugar Experiment Stations Ltd, 50 Meiers Road, 4068, Indooroopilly, Qld, Australia

    P. A. Joyce

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  1. F. E. Constable
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  2. P. A. Joyce
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  3. B. C. Rodoni
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Correspondence to F. E. Constable.

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Constable, F.E., Joyce, P.A. & Rodoni, B.C. A survey of key Australian pome fruit growing districts for exotic and endemic pathogens. Australasian Plant Pathology 36, 165–172 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1071/AP07003

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1071/AP07003

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