Little cherry disease

Little cherry disease (often referred to as Cherry little) is a severe viral infection affecting stone fruit species, particularly sweet and sour cherries. This disease is caused by specific viruses, mainly the Little cherry virus (LChV-1 and LChV-2), which significantly impact the fruit's development and quality.

The host range is primarily limited to the Prunus genus. While cherries are the most commonly reported victims, the virus can also affect ornamental cherry trees and certain plum varieties, serving as a reservoir for the virus to spread to commercial orchards.

The most distinctive symptom is the production of small, pointed, and tasteless fruits that fail to reach their full size or color. In addition to fruit symptoms, affected trees often exhibit premature autumnal coloration of leaves, which may turn red or bronze while the rest of the orchard remains green.

The disease is transmitted primarily through grafting with infected scions or rootstocks and by insect vectors such as mealybugs (e.g., Phenacoccus aceris). Once a tree is infected, the virus becomes systemic, and the tree remains a lifelong source of inoculum for the surrounding area.

Currently, there is no chemical cure for Little cherry disease. Management relies entirely on strict sanitation:

• Removal and destruction of infected trees to stop further spread.
• Use of certified, virus-tested nursery stock.
• Regular monitoring and control of mealybug populations.
• Strict sterilization of pruning tools between trees.