High-throughput sequencing (HTS) analysis enabled the identification of two new isolates of Pomes virus Greece (PVGR), a virus belonging to the genus Robigovirus. The analysis was conducted on sweet cherry plants from a collection of indigenous germplasm in Locorotondo, Apulia, Italy. Their identification is of particular epidemiological interest, as it represents both the first report of PVGR in cherry plants and the first documented occurrence of the virus in Italy.
According to EPPO, in 2023 the distribution of Robigovirus was reported to include Canada and the United States, particularly coastal areas. However, data from the study published in April 2026 indicate a markedly different scenario.
The isolates were designated PVGR IT-49 and PVGR IT-80, and were assigned accession numbers PX657514 and PX657515, respectively.
Following their identification, specific primers were developed for Robigovirus detection. Their effectiveness and reliability were validated through Sanger sequencing, confirming the presence of viral sequences in the analyzed samples.
The diagnostic tools developed were subsequently applied to a larger set of plant samples, comprising 150 plants collected from three different sites in Apulia.
The survey detected PVGR in 13 samples, corresponding to an overall prevalence of 8.7%.
In parallel with the PVGR survey, the study also identified another Robigovirus, Cherry green ring mottle virus (CGRMV), which was detected in a single tree.
This finding is of regional significance because it represents the first report of CGRMV in Apulia, further expanding knowledge of the geographical distribution of viruses belonging to this genus in Italy.
Molecular analysis of the viral sequences also provided insights into the genetic variability of PVGR isolates.
Comparison of 13 partial nucleotide sequences showed 79–83.5% identity with the PVGR isolate previously described in Greece from pear.
These differences suggest substantial genetic divergence between the Apulian isolates and the Greek isolate, while confirming that they belong to the same viral species.
Biological characterization was performed through indexing on indicator plants.
Eight local PVGR isolates proved to be pathogenic, inducing symptoms such as leaf-margin distortion and the development of necrotic spots on the reference cultivars Bing and Shirofugen.
These results provide experimental evidence of the pathogenic activity of the identified isolates.
Overall, the study broadens the picture of viruses associated with sweet cherry and provides the first evidence of the presence of Robigovirus in Apulia.
The results also highlight the importance of HTS analyses and molecular diagnostic approaches for the phytosanitary monitoring of local germplasm and for the detection of viral agents previously undocumented in specific crops or geographical areas.
Source: Digiaro, M., Amleh, A., Venerito, P. et al. Pomes virus Greece (PVGR): a new robigovirus infecting cherry trees in Apulia (southern Italy). J Plant Pathol 108, 1543–1556 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42161-026-02188-x
Image source: Stefano Lugli
Melissa Venturi
PhD in Agricultural, Environmental and Food Science and Technology - General Arboriculture and Tree Crops - Bologna, IT
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