PPV (Plum Pox Virus)

Plum Pox Virus (PPV), comunemente noto come Sharka, è un virus che colpisce le drupacee del genere Prunus.

Among the species most affected by this virus, in addition to the main fruit trees such as the peach tree, ornamental and spontaneous plum trees have also been reported, species often used as rootstocks.

Symptoms appear on leaves and fruit; generally from the first leaves produced at the time of budding and are more evident on the basal and middle leaves of growing shoots, on which yellow streaks appear in small portions or, in severe cases, across the entire leaf.

On the fruit, symptoms appear as discolored rings, generally yellow, with alternating bumps and depressions. In addition to the aesthetic damage, which in many cases is already enough to significantly reduce the product's value, there are also significant consequences, resulting in a loss of size, less firm flesh, and a deterioration in organoleptic and flavor characteristics.

Since it is a viral disease, control measures are essentially preventative and aim to limit the spread of the disease or prevent its entry into a given area.

It is included in the EPPO A2 list and is subject to mandatory control.

* Patent licenses WO 00/28082, WO 01/34790, WO 01/77317, WO 02/24902, WO 01/34838 ** Industrial invention patent no. 0001425753 dated 09.11.2016