Cherry leaf roll virus (Nepovirus avii) is a plant virus that can cause decline and death in sweet cherry (Prunus avium), sour cherry (P. cerasus) and black cherry (P. serotina) trees. It has a wide host range among woody plants, although a specific host strain will typically not infect another plant genus under natural conditions. In cherry, the virus spreads primarily through infected propagative materials and can move locally through root grafts between neighbouring trees. It is unlikely to spread through fresh fruit and does not affect human or animal health.
Primary spread
Infected propagative materials
Local spread
Root grafts between neighbouring trees
Fresh fruit is an unlikely route of spread. The virus does not affect human or animal health.
Cherry leaf roll virus occurs across several regions worldwide, including most of Europe, North America, Africa, Asia, South America and Australasia. In Canada, strains have been reported on golden elderberry (Sambucus nigra) in British Columbia and American elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) in New Brunswick. The virus is also known to occur throughout the natural range of elm trees (Ulmus spp.).
Only a few cases have been recorded in sweet cherry trees in Canada, and all infected trees were removed.
In sweet cherry trees, the virus can delay and weaken leafing out and flowering. Infected leaves may develop yellow spots and margins that roll upwards. In some cultivars, leaves turn purple-red prematurely.
Other symptoms in susceptible cultivars include shortened internodes, branch dieback and bark splitting. Most trees show symptoms about five years after infection.
Leaves and flowering
Delayed, weaker leafing out and flowering
Leaf symptoms
Yellow spots, upward-rolled margins and, in some cultivars, premature purple-red colour
Tree symptoms
Shortened internodes, branch dieback and bark splitting
Symptoms appear about five years after infection in most trees.
Cherry leaf roll virus is a regulated pest in Canada. The CFIA has included regular testing for the virus in the requirements for cherry trees produced under the Canadian Fruit Tree Export Program. If the virus is detected, official control measures are put in place to prevent its spread.
Text and image source: inspection.canada.ca
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Cherry leaf roll virus affects sweet, sour and black cherry trees. It is regulated in Canada, where symptoms may appear about five years after infection. The article outlines how it spreads and measures to prevent its introduction and contain the virus in orchards.
