Apricot Latent Virus and Peach Asteroid Spot

Apricot latent virus (ApLV) is a member of the genus Foveavirus, family Flexiviridae, whose virions contain a single polypeptide with an estimated size of c. 50 kDa. Sequencing of the '3 end of genomic RNA of several ApLV isolates allowed the development of virus-specific nucleic acid-based detection methods. RT-PCR and molecular hybridization protocols are available and reliably detect the virus. In addition, biological indexing on GF 305 is still considered valuable for the detection of peach asteroid spot disease. A relationship between ApLV and asteroid spot disease was suggested after grafting ApLV-infected apricot onto healthy peach seedlings. Furthermore, ApLV isolates, regardless of geographic origin induced asteroid spot disease in peach. Use of virus-free propagating material and removal of diseased peach trees will provide disease control.