Raspberry crinivirus

Raspberry crinivirus (Crinivirus rubi) is a viral pathogen belonging to the Crinivirus genus. This virus primarily affects the phloem of host plants, causing systemic infection that disrupts nutrient distribution and leads to the progressive decline of the plant's overall health and vitality.

The primary host for this virus is the red raspberry (Rubus idaeus). It also affects various species of blackberries and wild Rubus varieties. In commercial agriculture, the virus can lead to significant economic losses due to reduced fruit yield and shorter lifespan of the berry plantations.

Symptoms include interveinal chlorosis of the leaves, which often progresses to tissue necrosis. Infected plants exhibit stunted growth, reduced vigor, and small, poor-quality fruit. These symptoms are often more pronounced in sensitive cultivars during the active growing season, significantly impacting the productivity of the crop.

The virus is primarily transmitted by aphid vectors during their feeding process. Once an aphid acquires the virus from an infected plant, it can remain a vector for a certain period, spreading the infection throughout the field. Propagation using infected nursery stock is another major pathway for long-distance dissemination.

• Utilize only virus-tested and certified planting material.
• Implement rigorous aphid control programs during the growing season.
• Regularly rogue (remove) infected bushes as soon as symptoms appear.
• Maintain spatial isolation between new plantings and older, potentially infected areas.
• Sterilize pruning tools to prevent mechanical transmission of the virus.