Cherry rasp leaf virus

The causal agent of this disease is the Cheravirus avii, a plant-pathogenic virus belonging to the genus Cheravirus. This virus triggers a systemic infection that disrupts the normal hormonal balance and structural development of stone fruit trees.

The primary hosts of the disease are sweet and sour cherries. However, the virus can also persist in various wild-growing species within the Prunus genus, which serve as essential reservoirs for the infection in agricultural landscapes.

Symptoms are manifested through distinct leaf deformations: the leaves become narrow, stiff, and develop jagged, rasp-like margins. Small outgrowths known as enations often appear on the abaxial side of the leaf. Infected trees frequently display symptoms of stunted growth, shortened internodes, and a bushy appearance.

Transmission of the virus is primarily mediated by soil-borne nematodes, specifically Xiphinema americanum, which feed on the roots of infected trees and subsequently inoculate healthy ones. Additionally, human-assisted spread occurs through the propagation and grafting of infected plant material.

The economic impact of the virus is severe, as it causes significant reductions in fruit yield and marketability, often leading to the decline of entire orchards. Prevention strategies include using virus-free nursery stock, implementing systematic soil testing to detect nematode populations, and the prompt roguing of infected trees to break the transmission cycle.