Duration: 10/01/1999 to 09/30/2001

Administrative Advisor(s):

NIFA Reps:

Non-Technical Summary

Statement of Issues and Justification

Plum Pox disease of Prunus species is caused by a plant virus that previously did not occur in North America. In the fall of 1999, this virus was identified in commercial plantings of peach in the Northeast region. Based on European experiences where the disease originated, Plum Pox Virus (PPV) has the potential to significantly damage the productivity and quality of commercial plantings of fruit throughout the United States wherever Prunus species are grown. To prevent devastating losses to the U.S. Prunus industry and prevent increased annual pesticide applications required to control the PPV insect vectors, this disease/virus must be eradicated. If eradication is not possible, then disease management to limit its incidence and geographic range will be required. Unmanaged spread of this virus could bankrupt major portions of the U.S. fruit industry in a very short period.

Any strategy to eradicate, contain, or manage Plum Pox disease will first require extensive sampling to determine the distribution of the causal pathogen, followed by the development of epidemiologically sound programs for the uprooting of trees or alternative hosts, in infested areas. If these measures fail to eradicate or contain the virus, disease management protocols will need to be developed rapidly in support of this important agricultural industry.

Types of Activities

Procedures:

1. For Objective 1: Most participating States will conduct surveys using ELISA-based assays. Tests will be conducted to determine if indigenous herbaceous and perennial hosts are carriers of the virus. Of particular concern are the native Prunus spp. Research will define the North American host range as well as vector populations. Additional research will identify best sampling and monitoring techniques for determining the virus presence in active and dormant tissues. Web-based delivery systems will provide latest data to all participants.
   
2. For Objective 2: To be implemented by each State conatining PPV infection foci. Extensive studies of virus movement will be conducted in infested areas so that eradication efforts can be based on high quality epidemiological data. Data will include vector acquisition information, vector movement and feeding activities, latent periods, post infection-non-symptomatic periods for defined hosts, etc. Quality of eradication efforts will be closely monitored using sampling and test techniques developed under Objective 1.
   
3. For objective 3: Laboratories will be established in infested regions to assist in the implementation of all strategies for eradication or containment. Web-based delivery of eradication and/or containment strategies will be developed that use the best information available from all regions of the world. Yearly, or more frequent, meetings will be held to share information, develop coordinated research and extension strategies and to enhance communication methods.
   

Objectives

1. Determine the distribution and percent incidence of Plum Pox Virus throughout the Northeast region and nationally.
   
2. Develop effective uniform strategies to eradicate or contain the virus.
   
3. State and regional teams will develop appropriate disease management practices for commercial deployment that will be based on sound epidemiological data and quality sampling and detection methods (if eradication efforts fail to stop the spread of the virus).
   

Expected Outputs, Outcomes and/or Impacts

• The distribution an incidence of PPV in the U.S. is known.
  
• The epidemiology of Plum Pox disease and the importance of vector species are determined.
  
• Management strategies for Plum Pox disease are developed, validated and communicated with advanced technologies.
  
• The elimination of Plum Pox virus in North America or the virus is geographically localized and incidence is reduced to tolerable levels.
  
• The at-rist fruit industry is protected from near-certain destruction.
  
• Improved sampling and detection processes developed for the world.
  
• Extension and outreach communication tools utilized and content for the nation and the world is developed.
  

Projected Participation

View Appendix E: Participation

Literature Cited

Attachments

Land Grant Participating States/Institutions

Non Land Grant Participating States/Institutions