Bark and wood grooving

Bark and wood grooving is a serious viral disease affecting stone fruit trees, particularly peaches. The pathogen is typically associated with specific virus strains, such as Apple stem grooving virus or Plum pox virus isolates, which invade the tree's vascular system and disrupt normal growth processes.

This disease primarily affects peaches, but it can also infect plums, apricots, and apples. The virus is predominantly transmitted through vegetative propagation, the use of infected scion material during grafting, and contaminated pruning tools that carry the virus from tree to tree in the orchard.

Symptoms are characterized by the development of deep grooves, furrows, and depressions on the wood of the trunk and main branches, which are typically hidden beneath the bark. Above-ground signs include tree decline, premature leaf drop, bark necrosis, significantly smaller fruit size, and stunted growth, leading to premature tree death.

Development and spread are facilitated by the introduction of infected nursery stock and the presence of soil-borne vectors, such as nematodes, which can transmit the virus through the root system. Once a tree is systemically infected, there is no chemical cure, making early detection and orchard hygiene critical.

Control measures are strictly preventive due to the nature of viral infections. Growers should prioritize the following:

• Sourcing certified virus-free rootstock and scion wood.
• Disinfecting all pruning and grafting tools between each tree.
• Monitoring and controlling nematode populations in the soil.
• Promptly removing and destroying any trees showing severe symptoms to prevent further spread.